38 A CENTUEY OF SCIENCE 



1817 with 1847, we mark on this subject a very gratifying change. 

 The cultivators of science in the United States were then few 

 now they are numerous. Societies and associations of various 

 names, for the cultivation of natural history, have been insti- 

 tuted in very many of our cities and towns, and several of them 

 have been active and efficient in making original observations 

 and forming collections. 



A summary follows presenting some facts as to the 

 growth of scientific societies and scientific collections in 

 this country during the period involved: Then the 

 striking contrast between 1818 and 1847 in the matter of 

 organized effort toward scientific exploration is dis- 

 cussed, as follows (pp. xvi et seq.) : 



When we began our Journal, not one of the States had been 

 surveyed in relation to its geology and natural history; now 

 those that have not been explored are few in number. State 

 collections and a United States Museum hold forth many allure- 

 ments to the young naturalist, as well as to the archaeologist and 

 the student of his own race. The late Exploring Expedition 

 [Wilkes] with the National Institute, has enriched the capital 

 with treasures rarely equalled in any country, and the Smith- 

 sonian Institution recently organized at Washington, is about 

 to begin its labors for the increase and diffusion of knowledge 

 among men. 



It must not be forgotten that the American Association of 

 Geologists and Naturalists composed of individuals assembled 

 from widely separate portions of the Union by the seven ses- 

 sions which it has held, and by its rich volume of reports, has 

 produced a concentration and harmony of effort which promise 

 happy results, especially as, like the British Association, it 

 visits different towns and cities in its annual progress. 



Astronomy now lifts its exploring tubes from the observatories 

 of many of our institutions. Even the Ohio, which within the 

 memory of the oldest living men, rolled along its dark waters 

 through interminable forests, or received the stains of blood 

 from deadly Indian warfare, now beholds on one of its most 

 beautiful hills, and near its splendid city, a permanent obser- 

 vatory with a noble telescope sweeping the heavens, by the hand 

 of a zealous and gifted observer. At Washington also, under 

 the powerful patronage of the general government, an excellent 

 observatory has been established, and is furnished with superior 

 instruments, under the direction of a vigilant and well instructed 

 astronomer seconded by able and zealous assistants. 



Here also (in Yale College) successful observations have been 



