462 PROCEEDINGS OF 



At a subsequent stated meeting of the National Institute, a resolu- 

 tion was passed, requesting the committee, of which Mr. Spencer 

 was chairman, to make a report of the proceedings of the Scientific 

 Convention ; and likewise to lay before the Institute all the papers and 

 communications submitted on the occasion, with a view to publica- 

 tion. Whereupon, the chairman made the following report, instruct- 

 ing the Corresponding Secretar}', at the same time, to submit all the 

 papers referred to in the resolution: 



REPORT. 



The coraniitteR, originally appointed on the 13lli of June, 1842, by the National 

 Institute, in which vacancies were supplied, and to whose number additions were 

 made in February, 1843, and who were charged with the duty of issuing invita- 

 tions in the name of the Institute, and malting all necessary arrangements for a 

 meeting of the learned men of our country, at the seat of Government, Report: 



In furtherance of the plan of the Institute, a preliminary circular was issued by 

 the committee, on the 15th of October, 1842, addressed to known literary and 

 scientifis gentlemen in different parts of the United States, transmitting a copy of 

 the proceedings of the Institute of the 13th of June, 1842, and inviting a commu- 

 nication of views in relation to the proposed meeting. The sentiment in its favor 

 appeared from tlie answers received to be so general, that the committee felt them- 

 selves justified in naming a day for the assemblage. They selected the first Mon- 

 day in April, in the year 1844, for that purpose, and issued a circular on the 24th 

 of February, 1843, inviting the members of the learned and scientific societies in 

 the United States, the honorary and corresponding members, friends and patrons of 

 the Institute, and all others engaged in the increase and diffusion of knowledge 

 among men, to meet at the city of Washington, on that day. 



On the day appointed, a very respectable meeting was held at the Presbyterian 

 church, on 4 J street, in this city. At the request of the committee, the President 

 of the United States commenced with a brief address, and presided. The Hon. R. 

 J. Walker, a member of the Senate of the United States, from the Stale of 

 Mississippi, delivered an opening address. 



Meetings were held, from day to day, until and including Monday, the 8tli day 

 of April, when they were terminated by an address from the chairman of your 

 committee. At these meetings addresses and lectures were delivered and read on 

 various interesting subjects, and usually to very respectable and attentive audiences. 

 They were regularly attended by the Corresponding Secretary of the Institute, 

 Francis Markoc, Jr., Esq., who kept notes of the papers read, and of the ad- 

 dresses delivered . 



A largo sub-committee was formed, consisting of the most distinguished citizens 

 and residents in Washington, to make the necessary arrangements for the accom- 

 modation of the literary and scientific gentlemen who came here, and for the hold- 

 ing of the meetings. By this activity every thing was provided which the occa- 

 sion demanded, and our guests were highly gratified witli their reception and the 

 attentions they received. Nothing but a desire to avoid giving olfence, prevents our 

 naming the gentlemen who wore most active and useful in this hospitable service. 



