Ofi DAVKNIMlur ACADK.MY OF \ATrJ{AI. SCIEXCES. 



prefer to continue my labors for the success of the Academy in a po- 

 sition of less prominence and responsibihty, and my personal wishes 

 certainly prompt me to decline its embarrassing duties. 



Not being present at your annual meeting, nor consulted in regard 

 to your action, I could not decline in advance; but having been as- 

 sured that vv^ere I to do so now it would seriously embarrass the Acad- 

 emy, my deep interest in its welfare and progress constrains me to 

 accept the position so flatteringly bestowed, though I do so Avith un- 

 feigned reluctance. In thus accepting the Presidency I am aware 

 that I must sacrifice that disinterested and independent position, which 

 has thus far enabled me to aid you in some slight degree, and hence dur- 

 ing this coming year much of that work will devolve upon other mem- 

 bers of the Academy. I must, therefore, make it one of the condi- 

 tions of my acceptance that a fair conmiencement of a subscription 

 to liquidate the indebtedness of the Academy be at once made, and 

 that the assurance of the trustees and mem]:)ers be given that it shall 

 be prosecuted to an early and successful termination. Your action, 

 in its implied recognition of woman's interest and helpfulness in pro- 

 moting the great cause of Science, was no less generous than just ; 

 but the " New Dejiarture " would have been more complete had the 

 representation of women on the executive board l)een enlarged. I 

 would, therefore, respectfully sviggest some action on your part with 

 a view to remedy the inequality, not leaving me the sole female rep- 

 resentative. 



Thanking you, gentlemen, personally and in the name of my sex, 

 for the honor conferred upon me, I remain. 



Very sincerely yours, 



Mary. L. D. Putxam. 



WoODLAWN, Jan. (ith, 1879. 



Januaky 31st, 1879. — Regular Meetixg. 



The President, Mrs. Mary L. D. Putnam, in the chair. Eigliteen 

 members and visitors present. 



Reports of the Curator, Librarian, Corresj)t)n(ling Secretary and 

 Publication C ommittee were presented, and the thanks of the Acad- 

 emy voted to the donors to the Library and Museum. 



Mr. Fred. A. Candee, of Moline, 111., was elected a regular mem- 

 ber. Dr. Emil Schmidt, Essen, Prussia; M. Anatole Bamps, Brussels, 



