PROPOSED APPLICATIONS OF SMITHSON'g BEQUEST. 891 



ance of the chemist Fourcroy, his design could have been 

 none other than founding a central school of natural science. 

 From a forced construction to the expression, u diffusion of 

 knowledge among rnen," the conclusion is drawn that the 

 donor had reference to no other knowledge than that which 

 flows from the study of the physical sciences. 



Whatever may have been the individual preferences of 

 Mr. Smithson, it is very clear, they are in no manner ex- 

 pressed in his bequest. More general terms could not have 

 been used than those which convey his intention " diffu- 

 sion of knowledge among men." Thus intimating his de- 

 sign, he leaves the disposition of the fund to the wisdom 

 and judgment of Congress. Had he designed founding an 

 institution similar to the scientific schools of France, what 

 objection could there have been to his expressing himself to 

 this effect ? The absence of express directions may there- 

 fore be regarded as conclusive on this point, and that Con- 

 gress alone was to adopt that plan, which the circumstances 

 and necessities of the country might demand. 



I do not object to due deference being shown to the sub- 

 jects which claimed the time and talents of Mr. Smithson. 

 A proper respect to his memory might seem to require a 

 more decided cast to the Institution in favor of the nat- 

 ural sciences, than under other circumstances would be 

 necessary or expedient. But as all the institutions of the 

 country have given evidence of the high estimation in which 

 they hold these useful branches of knowledge, there is no 

 danger that the wishes of the donor will be departed from 

 in this respect. Whatever form will be given to the Smith- 

 sonian Institute, the natural sciences will occupy a promi- 

 nent position among the branches of public instruction. 



The question being settled as to the power of Congress 

 over this fund, it becomes us to consider, in the next place, 

 the manner in which it shall be disposed of. And here I 

 would again join issue with your correspondent, who advo- 

 cates the establishment of a central school of natural science. 

 I think an institution already exists, which supersedes the 

 necessity, at this time, of the entire fund being appropriated 

 for this exclusive purpose. The United States Military 

 Academy at West Point is such an institution as your corres- 

 pondent proposes to establish. It is emphatically a school 

 of the natural sciences. Mathematics, Astronomy, Chem- 

 istry, Geology, Mineralogy, Optics, &c., claim the entire 

 attention of its students, and as far as its course extends, it 

 is justly regarded as the first institution in this country. 



