30 



For these purposes, and especially if it be intrusted, as we hope it will be, with the 

 specimens of Natural History collected by the Exploring Squadron, it will be neces- 

 sary that measures should be early adopted to have erected on a suitable site, on 

 the public ground, a plain fire proof building, to contain them, where the increas- 

 ing and valuable collections may be displayed, and be examined by the scientific 

 inquirer, and where he may resort for evidence to support his theories or to correct 

 his views. We hope that this further contribution to science will not be withheld. 

 The expeditions themselves have received the favorable notice of every civilized na- 

 tion, and were fitted out in obedience to the will of the people, who would not de- 

 sire to see the fruits of so much toil and danger perish for the want of this trifiing 

 additional expense. We cherish the hope that ihey will form the foundation of a 

 National Museum, and contribute to spread the light of science over our land." 



Dr. Thomas P. Jones from the committee appointed to con- 

 sider and report upon the expediency of publishing the pro- 

 ceedings of the Institution, reported favorably. 



And it was resolved, that the proceedings be published in 

 pamphlet form, at least once in every three months. 



The Department of Astronomy, Geography, and Natural 

 Philosophy, reported their organization: 

 F. R. Hassler, Chairman. 

 RoBT. Greenhovv, Vice Chairman. 

 C. M. Keller. Secretary. 

 The annual election, deferred at the last meeting, was then 

 held, and the following officers were re-elected : 



Hon. J. Q. Adams. 

 Col. J. J. Abert. 



Col. J. G. TOTTEN. 



A. 0. Dayton, Esq. 



Dr. A. jVIcWilliams. 



W. I. Stone, Treasurer. 



Francis Markoe, jr. Corresponding Secretary. 



PisHEY Thompson, Recording Secretary. 



Council 



Special Meeting, January 22, 1841. 



Forty-three members present. 



Hon. Joel R. Poinsett in the Chair. 



The meeting was called for the purpose of considering 

 amendments of the constitution ; which, after discussion and 



