AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE 39 



made with good instruments, although no permanent building 

 has been erected for an Observatory. 



We only give single examples by way of illustration, for the 

 history of the progress of science in the United States, and of 

 institutions for its promotion, during the present generation, 

 would demand a volume. It is enough for our purpose that 

 science is understood and valued, and the right methods of 

 prosecuting it are known, and the time is at hand when its moral 

 and intellectual use will be as obvious as its physical applica- 

 tions. Nor is it to be forgotten that we have awakened an 

 European interest in our researches : general science has been 

 illustrated by treasures of facts drawn from this country, and 

 our discoveries are eagerly sought for and published abroad. 



While with our co-workers in many parts of our broad land, 

 we rejoice in this auspicious change, we are far from arrogating 

 it to ourselves. Multiplied labors of many hands have produced 

 the great results. In the place which we have occupied, we 

 have persevered despite of all discouragements, and may, with 

 our numerous coadjutors, claim some share in the honors of the 

 day. We do not say that our work might not have been better 

 done but we may declare with truth that we have done all in 

 our power, and it is something to have excited many others to 

 effort and to have chronicled their deeds in our annals. Let 

 those that follow us labor with like zeal and perseverance, and 

 the good cause will continue to advance and prosper. It is the 

 cause of truth science is only embodied and sympathized truth 

 and in the beautiful conception of our noble Agassiz "it tells 

 the thought of God." 



The preface closes with some personal remarks : 



In tracing back the associations of many gone-by years, a 

 host of thoughts rush in, and pensive remembrance of the dead 

 who have labored with us casts deep shadows into the vista 

 through which we view the past. 



Anticipation of the hour of discharge, when our summons 

 shall arrive, gives sobriety to thought and checks the confidence 

 which health and continued power to act might naturally inspire, 

 were we not reproved, almost every day, by the death of some 

 co-eval, co-worker, companion, friend or patron. This very hour 

 is saddened by such an event, but we will continue to labor 

 on, and strive to be found at our post of duty, until there is 

 nothing more for us to do ; trusting our hopes for a future life 

 in the hands of Him who placed us in the midst of the splendid 

 garniture of this lower world, and who has made not less ample 

 provision for another and a better. 



