792 EXAMINATION OF PROFESSOR HENRY 



funds it would ; but with the limited means that it has, it 

 could not in justice to other researches. 



1506. In answer to a previous question you spoke, did 

 you not, of the appointment of quasi professors? — At the 

 beginning of the Institution atone time that idea was enter- 

 tained, but it was not carried out, the income not being 

 sufficient. 



1507. You are aware, I dare say, that in the Colleges of 

 France there is a body of professors who are charged merely 

 with the duty of advancing science, and giving courses of 

 lectures of a most advanced character in their special de- 

 partments ? — Yes. 



1508. Is there anything of that kind in the Smithsonian 

 Institution ? — No. 



1509. Do you think it would be desirable, supposing the 

 Institution had funds, that such should exist ? — I think it 

 would be very desirable that the Government should sup- 

 port such professors ; and I think that in time the American 

 Government will come to a proper appreciation of abstract 

 science, and make appropriations for such lecturers as you 

 mention in the city of Washington. 



1510. What evidence do you require that the money which 

 is given for investigation by the Smithsonian Institution is 

 properly expended ? — The main evidence is the fruit which 

 is produced. The Institution is very cautious in not making 

 an appropriation to any person who has not been found 

 capable of advancing knowledge by original research. 



1511. Supposing a grant made to a given person, A.; 

 when his memoir is complete is that memoir published as a 

 matter of course ? — Yes, if it be found of value. 



1512. Do the commission of which you spoke just now in 

 any way give a report upon the results of his investigations, 

 or go into them at all ? — Yes, they very frequently make 

 suggestions, and say, this point is not well developed, or we 

 think the author has made a mistake. 



1513. Is the memoir referred to them before it is pub- 

 lished ? — Yes. 



1514. So that it is possible that they might at last reject 

 altogether a memoir produced under those circumstances ? 

 — Yes ; but then it comes back to the Secretary, and he 

 may not be satisfied with its rejection, and he may refer it 

 to another commission, the names of the first commission 

 not being published. 



1515. The commission acts in the first place as a referee 

 before the grant is made, and secondly as a referee after the 

 work is produced ? — Yes. 



