this afternoon. Many of our guests today are frequent students of the 
Museum’s collections, frequent readers of the Museum’s publications 
and frequent users of the Museum’s library. 
“ But it is the effort to fulfill the terms of the second paragraph of the 
Articles of Incorporation — the paragraph that refers to the encour- 
agement and development of the Study of the Natural Sciences, that 
provides for the aggressive invasion of the unknown and for the 
encouragement of those who enter the unknown for search and re- 
search — it is the effort to fulfill these terms that has characterized 
the administration of this institution and made it something different 
from a mere museum. 
“The prime incentive for the pursuit of science is doubtless indis- 
coverably hidden among those forces that direct the growth and activities 
of the human body, but the strongest secondary incentive is appreciation 
— commendation. An institution that is pledged to the encouragement 
and development of the natural sciences ought certainly to appreciate 
and commend those who have conspicuously devoted themselves to the 
pursuit of science. It is in response to this feeling of obligation and 
with the hope that such recognition at this time might act as a helpful 
incentive to those attending the important scientific meetings now being 
held in New York, that these exercises have been arranged. 
“Tn an adjoining hall, as we leave this auditorium, we shall find 
unveiled ten portraits of the pioneers of American science, the work of 
one of America’s leading sculptors, Mr. William Couper. 
“Tt is this series of busts that I have the honor, on behalf of Mr. 
Morris K. Jesup, to present to the Trustees for permanent exhibition in 
this Museum, and with it may I convey the desire that they may serve as 
a token of the donor’s esteem for all who have devoted and are devoting 
themselves to the development of science, and also that all entering this 
institution may feel that the study of the natural sciences is encouraged 
and developed, not by immediate results alone, but also in the proper 
recognition of those who have unselfishly labored for its advancement.” 
In accepting the gift, Hon. Joseph H. Choate said in behalf of the 
Board of ‘Trustees: 
“As you have already heard, it is only in my accidental capacity 
of survivor that I have the honor of appearing here today to receive 
this gift. Mr. Morgan could not come, Mr. Jesup could not accept 
4 
