JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 167 



^N"apa City, California, requesting aid in introducing a new steam 

 engine, was read. 



The Secretary stated that this communication was one of a large 

 class usually addressed to himself in his official capacity; that he 

 had answered these communications by stating that it did not form 

 a part of the policy of the institution to give an opinion as to the 

 merits of any invention, or to render assistance to any enterprise 

 which, though it might be of importance to the public, was under- 

 taken for the immediate benefit of an individual ; that the Govern- 

 ment of the United States had enacted laws granting an exclusive 

 monopoly to inventors as a reward for their ingenuity, and that 

 they must apply to the Patent Office for the means of securing a 

 remuneration for their labors. That if, however, in any case, an 

 individual has made an invention for which he does not intend to 

 take out a patent, then the institution would accept on the usual 

 conditions, an account of such invention, and would make it known 

 through the Smithsonian publications, to the civilized world, thus 

 securing to the inventor the reputation which might justly be his 

 due. 



The following memorial was presented from distinguished citizens 

 of Philadelphia, accompanied by a letter from Mr. Lowe : 



To Professor Joseph Henry, 



Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D. C. 

 The undersigned, citizens of Philadelphia, have taken a deep interest in the attempt 

 of Mr. T. S. C. Lowe to cross the Atlantic by aeronautic machinery, and have confi- 

 dence that his extensive preparations to effect that object will add greatly to scientific 

 knowledge. Mr. Lowe has individually spent much time and money in the enter- 

 prise, and, in addition, the citizens of Philadelphia have contributed several thousand 

 ■dollars to further his efforts in demonstrating the feasibility of trans-Atlantic air nav- 

 igation. With reliance upon Mr. Lowe and his plans, we cheerfully recommend 

 him to the favorable consideration of the Smithsonian Institution, and trust such aid 

 and advice will be furnished him by that distinguished body as may assist in the suc- 

 cess of the attempt, in which we take a deep interest. 



JOHN C. CRESSON. 



WILLIAM HAMILTON. 



W. H. HAPvEISON. 



HENRY SEYBEET. 



J. CHESTON MOEEIS, M. D. 



ISAAC LEA. 



P AIRMAN EOGEES. 



JAMES C. FISHER, M. D. 



THOS. STEWARDSON, M. D. 



J. B. LIPPINCOTT. 



GEOEGE W. CHILDS. 



JOHN GEIGG. 



S. S. HALDEMAN. 



JOHN F. FRAZER. 



GEORGE HARDING. 



M. McMICHAEL. 

 Philadelphia, December, 1860. 



On motion of Mr. Mason, it was— 

 Resolved, That the Secretary be requested to give Mr. Lowe any advice which he 



