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ral knowledge that the laws which govern the tpate- 

 rials, which are rendered subservient to the supply of 

 our wants and every relative acquirement, which 

 places the very elements in our power and promises a 

 certainty of success may be understood and compre- 

 hended ; while the errors and prejudices which have 

 heretofore retarded its progress shall be banished and 

 destroyed. 



We hail with unfeigned pleasure the prospects of 

 the Society from a similar manifestation of interest in 

 its welfare among the artists and mechanics of this 

 city and county, confident that mutual benefits will 

 accrue. 



Ever forward in the cause of good, the ladies have 

 engaged in our behalf with a spirit, which seems to 

 augur well for our success. The names of several of 



O 



our city, who are known as general patrons and stu- 

 dents of Natural Science, we are gratified to say are 

 already enrolled on our list of members. We would 

 cordially and respectfully welcome others in following 

 so laudable an example. In Botany, a study pecu- 

 liarly appropriate to the developement of refined sen- 

 timents of innate purity and loveliness of character, 

 we find many admirers. The herbarium of the So- 

 ciety is the result, in a considerable degree, of the 

 kindness of one. Valuable and rare shells enrich the 

 drawers of its Cabinet from the liberality of others. 

 Several private collections in that elegant and delight- 

 ful department Conchology, remarkable for extent and 

 worth, in the possession of many in this city, are suf- 

 ficient proofs that Natural History has lost nothing of 

 its charms and merits, nor has been overlooked in our 



