202 NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES 



officers of the Government, who were detailed to assist in the 

 deliberations. It is well to note also that from the beginning the 

 membership of the Academy included many officers of the 

 Government and that these were frequently selected to serve on 

 committees of the Academy. On one occasion at least this led to 

 some embarrassment, for the reason that through this double 

 relationship it was thought that the views of subordinate officers 

 might control the action of those higher in authority. 



As might be expected, there has been no regularity in the 

 number of committees appointed on behalf of the Government 

 from year to year. As many as seven have been appointed in a 

 single year, while, on the other hand, two periods of five years 

 each passed in which no calls were received from Congress or 

 the Executive Departments. The records show, however, that 

 of the whole number of committees more than one-third were 

 appointed in the first five years. After this the number fell off in 

 a marked manner, but increased again during the decade be- 

 ginning with 1878. Between that year and 1888, twenty com- 

 mittees were appointed. In the twenty-four years that have 

 elapsed since 1888, only seven committees have been appointed. 



The subjects brought to the attention of the Academy by the 

 Government have covered a wide range, but among them, 

 matters in which physics, astronomy and chemistry were con- 

 cerned have predominated. It should be remarked, however, 

 that some of the most important questions which the Academy 

 has been asked to consider, have not related to any particular 

 branch of science, but rather to matters of public policy. 



On the general subject of committees appointed at the request 

 of the Government, Professor Bache in his first report as Presi- 

 dent of the Academy remarked as follows : 



" It was obvious that the only effective and prompt mode of action by members 

 scattered over the United States, as were the fifty named in the charter, must be 

 through committees. Action must originate with committees, and be perfected 

 by discussion in the general meetings of the Academy, or in the classes or sections. 

 Decisions to be finally pronounced by the entire body. 



" To avoid delay in reports which might be desired by the government to be 

 promptly furnished, the President of the Academy was authorized to transmit 



