42 



make himself master of his Bubject, else he is certain to find that he occupies ne 

 very enviable position. 



These associations enable scientific men to approach the Government with 

 confidence ; and scarcely a meeting is held in which some project is not submitted 

 to Ministers; and recommendations from such a source are always received with 

 great respect and attention, and arc generally adopted. Most of the recent scien- 

 tific expeditions and experiments instituted by order of the Government may be 

 traced to this origin. 



Another advantage resulting from these meetings is the good feeling cultivated 

 among philosophers by social intercourse. They are thus brought frequently 

 together, and not only compare opinions, interchange views, and communicate 

 discoveries and experiments, but the asperities which unhappily so often arise 

 among eminent men, rivals in the same course of ambition, are softened down 

 or entirely repressed. It is to these meetings, also, that practical men resort for 

 the purpose of obtaining correct scientific information. And show-rooms are fitted 

 up, in which are deposited ingenious machines, highly-finished fabrics, and models 

 of new inventions in the arts and sciences. 



I have been thus particular, under the belief that some useful hints may be com- 

 municated for the future guidance of our National Institution, for the honor and 

 prosperity of which I feel the deepest interest. 



At the last meeting it was suggested that a general congress of savans should 

 be annually assembled from all parts of the civilized world, and that the illustrious 

 Humboldt be requested to act as its first President. This grand idea was favora- 

 bly received, but not definitively acted on, but will doubtless be carried into effect 

 in a few years. If it should be, it is to be hoped that our country will not be 

 backward in lending its aid to 'so noble a project, and may be fully and ably 

 represented at its first meeting. I cannot refrain from indulging the hope 

 that I may live to see such a congress hold its session in Washington, New York, 

 or some one or other of our large and wealthy cities, where the requisite accom- 

 modations could be extended to such a body. 



Very truly, yours, 



GEORGE. W. HUGHES, 

 Capt. Top. Engs. and Member Nat. Inst. 



Stated Meeting, February 8\.\\, 1841. 



Present, thirty-six members. 



Hon. Joel R. Poinsett in the Chair. 

 The following donations were received : 

 An original bust of Hon. Joel R. Poinsett. — From Ferdinand 

 Peltrich, Sculptoi: 



