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ADVERTISEMENT. 



This volume is intended to form the first of a series of volumes, consisting of 

 original memoirs on different branches of knowledge published at the expense, and 

 under the direction of the Smithsonian Institution. The publication of this series 

 forms part of a general plan adopted for carrying into effect the benevolent inten- 

 tions of James Smithson, Esq., of England. This gentleman left his property in 

 trust to the United States of America, to found at Washington an institution which 

 should bear his own name, and have for its objects " the increase and diffusion of 

 knowledge among men." This trust was accepted by the Government of the 

 United States, and an Act of Congress was passed August 10th, 1846, constituting 

 the President and the other principal executive officers of the general government, 

 the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the Mayor of Washington, and such 

 other persons as they might elect honorary members, an establishment under 

 the name of the " Smithsonian Institution, for the increase and diffusion 

 or knowledge among men." The members and honorary members of this 

 establishment are to hold stated and special meetings for the supervision of the 

 affairs of the Institution, and for the advice and instruction of a Board of Regents, 

 to whom the financial and other affairs are entrusted. 



The Board of Regents consists of three members ex officio of the establishment, 

 namely, the Vice President of the United States, the Chief Justice of the Supreme 

 Court, and the Mayor of Washington, together with twelve other members, thi'ee 

 of whom are appointed by the Senate from its own body, three by the House 

 of Representatives from its members, and six citizens appointed by a joint 

 resolution of both houses. To this board is given the power of electing a Secre- 

 tary and other officers, for conducting the active operations of the Institution. 



To carry into eflfect the purposes of the testator, the plan of organization 

 should evidently embrace two objects, — one, the increase of knowledge by the 

 addition of new truths to the existing stock ; the other, the diffusion of knowledge 

 thus increased, among men. No restriction is made in favor of any kind of 

 knowledge, and hence each branch is entitled to and should receive a share of 



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