SYNOPSIS OF PROCEEDINGS. 213 



now outstanding, and early provision should be made for its payment. 



The Constitution of our Academy provides for a permanent Publi- 

 cation Fund, the income of which should only be used to carry on the 

 publication. Quite recently, Mr. Charles Viele, of Evansville, Indiana, 

 contributed the sum of fifty dollars as the commencement of this fund, 

 which entitles the donor to receive all the publications of the Academy 

 issued thereafter for life. Building on this corner-stone so auspiciously 

 laid, we shall confidently expect in the near future to have this fund 

 well established by other generous contributions. The value of the 

 regular publication of our proceedings cannot be overestimated. It 

 incites to original research, and through exchanges keeps us acquainted 

 with the most recent investigations and discoveries throughout the 

 scientific world. But for the information thus acquired we might be 

 groping at the solution of problems already solved by other investiga- 

 tors. Undoubtedly the high standing of our Academy at this time is 

 in large part due to its enterprise in thus publishing to the world its 

 great discoveries. During the year, through the indefatigable exertions 

 of the Publication Committee, the printing of Volume IV. of our Pro- 

 ceedings has been successfully accomplished, and the volume will soon 

 be ready for distribution. It is a gratification to be able to state that 

 this work has been carried on without imposing financial burdens upon 

 the Academy, and that in point of scientific interest it will compare 

 favorably with preceding volumes. 



In the early autumn it was decided, with the beginning of the new 

 year, to throw open the Museum and Library of the Academy to the 

 public, free of charge for admission. Accordingly, on January ist, the 

 door-keeper was withdrawn, and now any citizen of Davenport, or any 

 stranger visiting the city, is entitled to freely inspect its museum 

 and consult its library. As this institution has been built up by the 

 voluntary contributions of citizens, it seemed only right and proper 

 that all should have free access to its building, and an equal share in 

 its privileges. Visitors hereafter will only be required to conform to 

 certain rules and regulations essential to the preservation of its valuable 

 collections. 



It was also wisely decided, some time since, to open the Academy 

 building during certain hours on the Sabbath day. It is well known 

 that there are large numbers among our business men, as well as among 

 the artisan and laboring classes, whose only leisure is on this day; and 

 hence, but for this beneficent arrangement, they would be debarred 

 from its privileges. It is considered that this new policy will subserve 

 a wise and good purpose. The great book of Nature, which is here 

 opened for study, cannot be otherwise than purifying and ennobling in 

 the formation of character, and the educating influences thus exerted 

 are as far-reaching as they are beneficent. I know of no instrumental- 

 ity so effective to counteract the dissipation and frivolity which too 

 often and with too many rule this day. Those mistake who think that 

 our scientific workers are alone found among the wealthy or the highly 

 educated. Many an artisan, as he passes along to his daily task, is 

 pondering some of the deep problems of science, and not infrequently 



