582 
being together of the intrinsic value of three hundred dollars, as 
a premium, to the author of any important discovery or useful 
improvement on light or on heat, which shall have been made 
and published by printing, or in any way made known to the 
public, in any part of the Continent of America, or any of the 
American Islands; preference being always.given to such discov- 
eries as shall, in the opinion of the Academy, tend most to pro- 
mote the good of mankind; and to add to such medals, as a 
further premium for such discovery and improvement, if the 
Academy see fit so to do, a sum of money not exceeding three 
hundred dollars. 
For this purpose a standing Committee is appointed annually 
by the Academy in May, to consider and report on all applica- 
tions for the Rumford Premium. 
