14 NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES 



responsible. It is, however, responsible for those who have since been and are still 

 to be elected ; and I am happy to say that in filling the large number of vacancies 

 which have been occasioned by death and resignation since the original organi- 

 zation, the principle before mentioned has been strictly observed, and no one has 

 been admitted except after a full discussion of his claims and a satisfactory 

 answer to the question, ' What has he done to advance science in the line of 

 research which he has especially prosecuted ? ' 



" The organization of this academy may be hailed as marking an epoch in the 

 history of philosophical opinions in our country. It is the first recognition by our 

 government of the importance of abstract science as an essential element of mental 

 and material progress." "^ 



It is obvious from the foregoing statements of Bache and 

 Henry, that two principal objects were uppermost in the minds 

 of the founders — to afiford recognition to those men of science 

 who had done original work of real importance and thereby to 

 stimulate them and others to further endeavors; and to aid 

 the Government in the solution of technical scientific problems 

 having a practical bearing on the conduct of public business. 



The idea that election to membership in a scientific associa- 

 tion incorporated by the Congress of the United States might be 

 regarded as a badge of distinction conferred by our Government, 

 similar to the honors bestowed by the monarchical govern- 

 ments of Europe, seems to have provoked more or less discus- 

 sion. By some, the bestowal of any such recognition was thought 

 to be inconsistent with democratic principles. Professor Henry, 

 however, was of the contrary opinion. In his report for 1867, 

 already quoted, he remarks : 



" It is not enough for our government to offer encouragement to the direct 

 promotion of the useful arts through the more or less fortunate efforts of 

 inventors ; it is absolutely necessary, if we would advance or even preserve our 

 reputation for true intelligence, that encouragement and facilities should be 

 afforded for devotion to original research in the various branches of human knowl- 

 edge. In the other countries scientific discovery is stimulated by pensions, by 

 titles of honor, and by various social and official distinctions. The French 

 academicians receive an annual salary and are decorated with the insignia of the 

 legion of honor. Similar marks of distinction are conferred on the members of the 



°'Rep. Nat. Acad. Sci. for 1867 (1868), pp. i, 2. Sen. Misc. Doc. no. 106, 40th Congress, 

 2d Session. 



