SYNOPSIS OF PROCEEDINGS. 271 



the steady growth which has heretofore characterized this highly im- 

 portant department of the Academy. The addition during the year of 

 more than two thousand publications comprising the transactions of 

 most, if not all, the important scientific and historical societies of the 

 world, the individual contributions to science of many eminent savants 

 of the day, and a vast deal of other matter relating to scientific re- 

 search or reflecting scientific thought, is surely a grand showing. And 

 this single item is important to the good people of this community as 

 indicating not only the vast value of the literary treasures already in 

 store, but also the probable growth, and consequently the increasing 

 worth, of the Academy's library. Here, too, as in the museum depart- 

 ment, already alluded to, there is pressing want. These books and 

 pamphlets, gleaming and glittering with living thought, cry out for 

 proper place and proper protection. More shelf-room is needed; bind- 

 ing is needed; a complete index, is needed; and in view of the scanti- 

 ness of our treasury and other proper demands made upon it, one of 

 the problems which now confronts us is how to supply these wants. 



Let not the erroneous idea prevail that this great library and museum 

 are for the exclusive use and benefit of our members. Both are avail- 

 able to the public, daily, during "open hours," and both are being con- 

 sulted and examined almost constantly, often by pilgrims coming from 

 afar for the express purpose. Surely, in this enlightened and progress- 

 ive city, agencies of such vast educational utility and worth, of such 

 widespread and far-reaching benefits to the entire public, and capable 

 of maintenance at such comparatively little cost, cannot long await the 

 day of fuller appreciation when the number of our good people whose 

 names are enrolled as members of the Academy shall be far greater 

 than at present. 



The finances, while not in that flush condition desirable and neces- 

 sary to greater accomplishments, and while yet comparing favorably 

 with the condition of affairs at any annual meeting of recent years, is 

 a subject of considerable concern inasmuch as this department of ne- 

 cessity underlies every other, and is of vital importance as affecting the 

 progress and success of the Academy, or possibly its very existence. 

 It has been necessary during the year to borrow the sum of $650; but 

 when we consider that previous indebtedness amounting to $850 has 

 been paid, there is no cause for discouragement in the item. The in- 

 terest accruing from our investments is more than sufficient to pay for 

 the use of this borrowed money, the difference in our favor being about 

 $33. Still, it is desirable that the Academy be freed from debt, and 

 this it is hoped to speedily accomplish by continuing the practice of 

 strict economy and prudent management. 



Having referred to the status and wants of the several departments 

 as separate matters pertaining to the progress and condition of the 

 Academy. I come now, with sad heart, to speak of the honored dead — 

 of those strong helpers and fellow-workers whose labors and aid have 

 left a lasting impress upon, or added additional lustre to, the good name 

 of this beneficent institution. During the year, death has deprived us 

 of three life-members, Charles E. Putnam, Walker Adams, and A. F. 



