282 WRITINGS OF JOSEPH HENRY. [1847 



At these meetings, without the formality of a regular lecture, 

 new truths in science may be illustrated, and new objects of 

 art exhibited. Beside these, courses of lectures may be given 

 on particular subjects by the officers of the Institution, or by 

 distinguished individuals invited for the purpose. - - - 



Preparations have been made for instituting various lines 

 of physical research. Among the subjects mentioned in the 

 programme as an example for the application of the funds 

 of the Institution is terrestrial magnetism. I need scarcely 

 say that this is a subject of high interest not only in a the- 

 oretical point of view, but also in its direct reference to navi- 

 gation, and to the various geodetical operations of civil and 

 military life. - - - 



Another subject of research mentioned in the programme, 

 and which has been urged upon the immediate attention of 

 the Institution, is that of an extensive system of meteorologi- 

 cal observations, particularly with reference to the phenomena 

 of American storms. Of late years, in our country, more ad- 

 ditions have been made to meteorology than to any other 

 branch of physical science. Several important generaliza- 

 tions have been arrived at, and definite theories proposed, 

 which nftw enable us to direct our attention with scientific 

 precision to such points of observation as cannot fail to re- 

 ward us with new and interesting results. It is proposed to 

 organize a system of observations which shall extend as far 

 as possible over the North American continent; and in order 

 to eff'ect this, it will be necessary to engage the co-operation 

 of the British Government. - - - 



The present time appears to be peculiarly auspicious for 

 commencing an enterprise of the proposed kind. The citi- 

 zens of the United States are now scattered over every part 

 of the southern and western portion of North America, and 

 the extended lines of telegraph will furnish a ready means 

 of warning the more northern and eastern observers to be 

 on the watch for the first appearance of an advancing storm.* 



* [Reprinted in Silliman's American Journal of Science, November, 1848, 

 vol. VI, pp. 305-317.] 



