ADVERTISEMENT. 



This volume forms the twenty-eighth of ;i series, composed of original 

 memoirs on different branches of knowledge, published at the expense and 

 under the direction of the Smithsonian Institution. The publication of this 

 series forms part of a general plan adopted for carrying into effect the benevolent 

 intentions of JAMES SMITHSON, Esq., of England. This gentleman left his prop- 

 erty in trust to the United States of America, to found, at Washington, an 

 institution which should bear his own name and have for its objects the " increase 

 and diffusion of knowledge among men." This trust was accepted by the Gov- 

 ernment of the United States, and an act of Congress was passed August 10, 

 1846, constituting the President and the other principal executive officers of the 

 General Government, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the Mayor of 

 Washington* (and such other persons as they might elect honorary members), 

 an establishment under the name of the "SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION FOR THE 

 INCREASE AND DIFFUSION OF KNOWLEDGE AMONG MEN." The members and hon- 

 orary members of this establishment are to hold stated and special meetings for 

 the supervision of the affairs of the Institution and for the advice and instruction 

 of a Board of Regents, to whom the financial and other affairs are intrusted. 



The Board of Regents consists of two members ex ojftcio of the establish- 

 ment, namely, the Vice-President of the United States, and the Chief Justice of 

 the Supreme Court, together with twelve other members, three of whom are 

 appointed by the Senate from its own body, three by the House of Representa- 

 tives from its members, and six persons appointed by a joint resolution of both 

 Houses. To this Board is given the power of electing a Secretary and other 

 officers for conducting the active operations of the Institution. 



To carry into effect the purposes of the testator the plan of organization 

 should evidently embrace two objects: one, the increase of knowledge by the 

 addition of new truths to the existing stock; the other, the diffusion of knowl- 

 edge, thus increased, among men. No restriction is made in favor of any kind 

 of knowledge; and hence each branch is entitled to, and should receive, a 

 share of attention. 



* This office has heeu abolished. 



