49 



by an enlightened and active system of exchanges : 

 chemistry and technology arc illustrated by well 

 conducted experiments and admirably adapted ap- 

 paratus, and every branch of natural philosophy 

 taught with clearness and precision, and explained 

 by the most ample means of illustration. These lec- 

 tures are attended by students who have completed 

 their academic course, and by men of science who 

 seek to increase their knowledge. 



There can be no doubt that a National Institution, 

 such as we contemplate, having at its command an 

 observatory, a museum containing collections of all 

 the productions of nature, a botanic and zoological 

 garden, and the necessary apparatus for illustrating 

 every branch of physical science, would attract to- 

 gether men of learning and students from every part 

 of our country, would open new avenues of intel- 

 ligence throughout the whole of its vast extent, 

 and would contribute largely to disseminate among 

 the people the truths of nature and the light of 

 science. 



A fortunate concurrence of circumstances offers a 

 favorable occasion to carry all these important ob- 

 jects into immediate effect. A liberal and enlight- 

 ened Englishman, foreseeing the benefits which would 

 result to science throughout the world by its suc- 

 cessful cultivation in the vast and extensive field of- 

 fered by these States and Territories, with enlarged 

 views and praiseworthy philanthropy, has bequeathed 

 a fund to be employed for the sacred purposes of in- 

 creasing and diffusing knowledge among men. This 

 bequest will enable the Government to afford all 



