8 ANNUAL REPORT SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 1946 
ley, astronomer and pioneer in aeronautics; Charles Doolittle Walcott, 
geologist and paleontologist; Charles Greeley Abbot, astrophysicist ; 
and the present Secretary, Alexander Wetmore, biologist. 
“It is hardly necessary to state that this is the age of science—news- 
paper headlines remind us of this every day. Atomic power, jet pro- 
pulsion, television, transmutation of elements, metals from sea water, 
penicillin—all these and many more present-day marvels trace back 
invariably to basic scientific investigation. In view of the more 
spectacular nature of recent discoveries in physics, chemistry, and 
medicine, and their adaptability to prompt economic application, we 
are likely to lose sight of the equal importance to mankind of research 
in such other sciences as anthropology, biology, and geology—sciences 
with which the Smithsonian Institution has been particularly con- 
cerned. Here, too, the steady progress made during the past 100 years 
has likewise contributed greatly to man’s welfare, through a better 
knowledge and hence a fuller control of his environment, an under- 
standing without which our present high hopes and plans for a united 
and peaceful world would have an even more difficult road to travel. 
“For a full century the Smithsonian Institution has been a world 
center for the promotion of science, art, and other cultural activities. 
Congratulations are in order upon the Smithsonian’s record in the 
advancement of science and culture during a most important century 
in the history of mankind, but this should be not merely a time for 
counting laurels. Rather it should be a time for further considera- 
tion of the ideals of the founder, James Smithson, and a renewal of 
the Institution’s zeal in the increase of the sum total of man’s knowl- 
edge. The Smithsonian should continue to strive toward the end 
that man should not only know better his earthly abode, but should 
acquire the means of knowing himself better. Such studies are of 
vital significance in our present efforts to build a better world order, 
and to break the cycle of recurring wars of ever-increasing destruc- 
tiveness. 
“On this one-hundredth anniversary of the founding of the Smith- 
sonian Institution, may we accord all honor to the founder, James 
Smithson, for his lofty and far-seeing ideals. May the next 100 years 
bring even more glory to the name of the Institution and to that of its 
founder.” 
In addition to carrying the White House release, many leading 
newspapers and magazines printed special feature articles on the 
Smithsonian Centennial, and a number of radio commentators called 
attention to the event on their August 10 news programs. 
Special Centennial exhibit—With the aim of bringing the Institu- 
tion’s Centennial to the attention of the thousands of visitors who 
