references to the excellent views of Messrs. Duponceau, Rush, Poin- 

 sett, and Preston on that particular point ; and to the able and impor- 

 tant correspondence of such men as Messrs. Adams, Wheaton, Cushing, 

 Hodgson, &c., on scientific, historical, and general subjects. 

 I remain, respectfully, yours, 



J. C. B. 



NATIONAL INSTITUTE. 

 LETTEH No. II. 



WASHINGTON, December 16, 1843. 



GENTLEMEN : In my last letter of the 6th instant, after having given 

 a programme of the course I have determined to adopt in the treatment 

 of the important subjects therein mentioned, I proposed to devote the 

 succeeding number to a brief sketch of the National Institute, and the 

 propriety, wisdom, and expediency of making that institution the agent 

 for the execution of the objects contemplated in the bequest of Mr. 

 Smithson. I now, therefore, in succinct terms, proceed to comply with 

 my promise. 



The National Institute for the Promotion of Science has now been 

 in existence upwards of three years, having been founded in this city in 

 the month of May, 1840, and incorporated by Congress in July, 1842. 

 In order to give some idea of its progress and extension, I will content 

 myself for the present with stating that it now embraces upwards of 

 one thousand members, distributed as follows : 287 resident, 20 honor- 

 ary, 32 paying corresponding, and 754 corresponding members. The 

 Institute has upon its lists 17 corresponding American and 141 Foreign 

 Societies ; and all Governors of States, and diplomatic, consular, and 

 commercial agents, who are not otherwise connected with the Institute, 

 are considered as corresponding members ex officio. 



The constitution of the Institute has divided the departments into 

 eight : first, Chemistry ; second, Geology and Mineralogy ; third, Ge- 

 ography, Astronomy, and Natural Philosophy; fourth, Natural His- 

 tory; fifth, the Application of Science to the Useful Arts; sixth, 

 American History and Antiquities ; seventh, Agriculture ; eighth, Lit- 

 erature and the Fine Arts. 



The Institute, ever since its foundation, whilst gradually adding to 

 the number of its members at home and abroad, has, in proportion, 

 widened the circle of its operations and made friends in every section 



