CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF THE ACADEMY. 15 



small property he had then accumulated to Harvard College, " for the promotion of a knowledge of 

 mechanical philosophy " ; who, living to acquire an ampler but still modest property, besides pro- 

 viding for this early intent, bequeathed to this Academy a share of his estate which ranks him as its 

 largest pecuniary benefactor, — larger even than Eumford, if you count his trust as a gift to the 

 Academy ; who held for years the office of Vice-president, and who should have been President. 

 A temporary unpopularity at a critical juncture prevented this, else the roll would have borne the 

 name of Daniel TreadwelL I understand that the biographical tribute which this Academy owes to 

 his memory, and which has been so long delayed, is now about to be paid, in connection with this 

 centennial celebration. Since it was my fate to occupy the place which should have been his, I trust 

 I may be permitted to associate him with those who have more fidly presided over this society, in 

 the sentiment which I would now offer : — 



" The memory of the deceased Presidents and distinguished fellows of the American Academy 

 who, each in his course, have in their day and generation worthily served this society, their country, 

 and the world ; may their successors in the second century emulate their example, and build as well, 

 or better, if they can, upon this centennial foundation." 



A century suffices merely to lay the foundations of an institution for investigation. Let our 

 successors carry up the superstructure, not as expecting to complete it, but to raise it higher. The 

 foundations of the temple of Science are laid upon the earth, on " the solid ground of Nature," to 

 which " trusts the mind which builds for aye." But it is to rise above physical nature, and its top- 

 most stone is to be laid in the highest heavens. 



The Very Reverend John S. Howson, Dean of Chester (England), was then intro- 

 duced, and responded in these words : It was pleasant to come within the circle of so 

 many noble interests. Americans had made him almost forget that the Atlantic 

 separated him from home. He was slightly surprised at the American interest in 

 English home politics, and at the disparaging manner in which they discuss their own 

 public men. But he was deeply pleased with the modest endeavors, made in so 

 many directions, of recording our past in order to make it available for future uses. 

 The scholarships of Johns Hopkins University, the Library of Congress, and the 

 rooms of the Historical Society at Philadelphia, to name but slight instances, had 

 impressed him profoundly. For the candid study of the past and present was a guar- 

 antee of a safe future. An occasion like the present, it seemed to him, was rich in 

 pathos and rich in poetry. He paid a delicate compliment to Mr. Winthrop, who 

 knew so well that, after all, the values of imagination were not the least in this world. 

 In conclusion, the Dean pointed out that all these treasures of mind, of history, and 

 of material good placed upon this country a great responsibility ; but he was ready 

 to believe that there would be no fatal shortcomings. He had full faith in the future 

 of America. 



