324 ROCHESTER ACADEMY OF SCIENCE. [Jan. I4, 



Purpose and Function. 



The object of the Society was set forth in the first clause of the 

 old constitution as follows : "* * * to promote scientific study 

 and research, and especially a thorough knowledge of the natural 

 history of that part of the State of New York in the vicinity of Roch- 

 ester, and to make permanent collections of objects illustrative of the 

 different branches of science. ' ' 



The last clause suggests that the founders had in mind general 

 scientific collections and the idea of making a general museum. 



Both the Microscopical Society and the early Academy came into 

 public notice particularly through their annual exhibitions or Soirees, 

 which were exceedingly popular occasions. From 2,500 to 3,000 

 tickets were sometimes issued, and there was demand for more. The 

 admission was free. Those held under the Microscopical Society 

 were in Free Academy Hall, but later they were held in different 

 halls. In August, 1884, the American Society of Microscopists held 

 its annual meeting in Rochester and, the Soiree was a united exhibi- 

 tion of that society and the local society, held in the State Arsenal. 



While these soirees were general exhibitions by the several sec- 

 tions, the microscopical display naturally predominated. The hand- 

 some catalogues printed for the occasions indicate much activity and 

 enthusiasm. Those were the days of enthusiasm, when every mem- 

 ber had his microscope. 



Dates and Places of Soirees or Receptions. 



. 1879, 



1880, 



1 88 1, June 20, in Free Academy Hall. 



1882, , apparently in the City Hall. 



1883, , in Free Academy Hall. 



1884, Aug. 21, in New York State Arsenal, with the Amer. Soc. 

 of Micros. 



1885, none held. 

 1886, 



1887, Dec. 6, in Washington Rink. 



1888, none held. 



