THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 31 



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utation can scarcely be too highly estimated ; for its influence, though silent, is 

 felt in every part of the globe where science and literature are cultivated. 



Several of the ocean steam navigation and a portion of our inland forwarding 

 and transportation companies, in acknowledgment for the benefits they have re- 

 ceived, as also to mark their high appreciation of the efforts of the Institution 

 to promote knowledge, have carried the freight to and from Washington free of 

 charge. We are pleased to record this fact, so honorable to the parties interested, 

 and trust all their co-laborers will speedily follow their excellent example. 



In the first report presented by Professor Henry to the Regents, he urged as a 

 leading feature of the operations of the Institution, the publication of memoirs and 

 periodical reports, the result of the labors of those engaged in original research. 

 The advantages of this plan were stated as follows : 



" In the first place it will serve to render the name of the founder favorably 

 known wherever literature and science are cultivated, and keep it in continual re- 

 membrance with each succeeding volume, as long as knowledge is valued. A 

 single new truth, first given to the world through these volumes will forever 

 stamp their character as a work of reference. The contributions will thus form 

 the most befitting monument to perpetuate the name of one whose life was de- 

 voted to the increase of knowledge, and whose ruling passion, strong in death, 

 prompted the whole bequest intended to facilitate the labors of others in the same , 

 pursuit 



THE CHEMICAL LABORATORY. 



