49 



by an enlightened and active system of exchanges ; 

 chemistry and technology are illustrated by well con- 

 ducted experiments and admirably adapted apparatus, 

 and every branch of natural philosophy taught with 

 clearness and precision, and explained by the most am- 

 ple means of illustration. These lectures are attended 

 by students who have completed their academic course, 

 and by men of science who seek to increase their know- 

 ledge. 



There can be no doubt that a National Institution, 

 such as we contemplate, having at its command an ob- 

 servatory, 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 together men of learn- 

 ing and students from every part of our country, would 

 open new avenues of intelligence throughout the whole 

 of its vast extent, and would contribute largely to dis- 

 seminate 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 objects 

 into immediate effect. A liberal and enlightened En- 

 glishman, foreseeing the benefits which would result to 

 science throughout the world, by its successful cultiva- 

 tion in the vast and extensive field offered by these 

 States and Territories, with enlarged views and praise- 

 worthy philanthropy, has bequeathed a fund to be em- 

 ployed for the sacred purposes of increasing and dif- 

 fusing knowledge among men. This bequest will ena- 

 ble the Government to afford all necessary protection 

 to the promotion of science and the useful arts, without 

 the exercise of any doubtful power, by the application 

 G 



