178 TRANSACTIONS OF THE [mAUCH 15, 



scrit ? Schools have been established by Americans, the same 

 who have asserted that there is nothing worth studying in the 

 antiquities of America, in Athens for the study of Greek archce- 

 ology ; and in Cairo for the deciphering of the inscriptions carved 

 on the temples and obelisks of Egypt. 



It is surprising that Americans should despise and neglect the 

 ancient monuments of their own land, while Europeans recognize 

 their importance and endeavor to unveil the past history of this 

 continent. The Societe des Americanistes in Paris, send people 

 from that capital to procure ancient American sculptures for the 

 Trocadero Museum. 



Surely it is time that we should know more about the ancient 

 history of the continent on which we live. That history is not 

 altogether lost, as has been generally affirmed. There are inter- 

 esting inscriptions that only await interpretation. We have 

 some in this city. Our labor of twelve years has not been in 

 vain, for we have found a key that will unlock the door of that 

 chamber of mysteries, the hitherto incomprehensible American 

 hieroglyphics. After long and patient study of mural inscrip- 

 tions Dr. Le Plongeon has discovered what were the various signs 

 or letters of the ancient Maya hieratic alphabet, and how 

 similar many of them are to the Egyptian hieratic alphabet. 



March 8, 188G. 



Stated Meeting. 



The President, Dr. J. S. Newberry, in the chair. 



A large audience assembled in the east lecture room of tho 

 Library Building, Columbia College. 



The fourth lectuie of the Popular Lecture Course was delivered 

 by Prof. George F. Barker. 



Subject: Padlant Matter. 

 (p]\-peri men tally illustrated.) 



March 15, 1886. 

 Stated Meeting. 

 The President, Dr. J. S. Newberry, in the chair. 

 Seventy persons present. 



