474 WRITINGS OP JOSEPH HENRY. [1871 



Observatory, and the Surgeon-Generars Ofl&ce, we have a 

 collection of modern books on science, accessible to the mem- 

 bers of the society, scarcely surpassed by the collections of 

 the most favored cities of the old world. Nor are the articles 

 of apparatus — necessary for any line of investigation — beyond 

 the reach of any member of the Society who may possess 

 the knowledge and skill requisite to their proper use. There 

 is great liberality on the part of the heads of departments in 

 regard to furnishing apparatus that may in any degree 

 facilitate the special investigations under their direction. 



Among those connected with the various organizations just 

 mentioned, a considerable number is engaged in original 

 investigations, the results of which are of interest to the 

 scientific world, and which will be facilitated and improved 

 by the discussions of this Society. Furthermore, in the daily 

 operations of the different establishments, facts of scientific 

 importance are continually becoming evident that would 

 be lost if not preserved in the records of the Society. It is 

 not however alone to facilitate operations now going on, or 

 to preserve facts that may have been casually discovered, 

 but also to suggest new investigations and to encourage 

 others to enter the field of research who have not yet essayed 

 their hand in this direction. In the great domain of science, 

 there is abundant room for an indefinite number of laborers 

 of different grades of attainment and original powers of 

 mind. A series of careful observations made with proper 

 instruments, with regularity and precision, (requiring little 

 more than the exercise of the senses and a conscientious 

 regard for truth,) is frequently a valuable contribution to 

 science. A series of analyses in which prescribed formulas 

 are observed, and in the application of which no more 

 talent is required than that possessed by the majority of 

 persons of ordinary ability and education, may give results 

 of scientific value. For the production of results of the kind 

 mentioned, and those which are effected by the scientist who 

 is capable of detecting hitherto undiscovered facts and devel- 

 oping new laws, there is room for all 'grades of talent and of 

 powers of original investigation. It is remarkable how 



