Proceedings. 4?5 



June II, 1894. 



C. S. Fellows chosen chairman pro tem. 



Sixteen persons present. 



The following papers were presented : 



A review of some recent theories of heredity, Professor 

 L. W. Chancy, Jr. 



Classification of the Brachiopoda, F. W. Sardeson. 



Recent essays toward a classification of the Keweenawan 

 Series in northeastern Minnesota, A. H. Elftman. 



A communication was received by the Academy from the 

 Council of the Scientific Alliance of New York signed by N. 

 G. Britton, Secretary, in which attention was called to a 

 series of preambles and resolutions adopted by the Alliance 

 April 28, 1894, touching a reduction of postage rates on 

 natural history specimens. 



After listening to the communication, A. H. Elftman 

 introduced the following memorandum which was offered to 

 be sent as a letter of the Academy signed by the Secretary to 

 the Senators and Representatives in Congress from the State 

 of Minnesota. 



Sir: I am directed respectfully to call your attention to the following 

 preamble and resolutions recently adopted by The Minnesota Academy of 

 Natural Sciences and earnestly to solicit your cooperation in the endeavor 

 to obtain a reduction of postage rates on natural history specimens. ^ 



Whereas, The transmission by mail of specimens of natural history 

 between students and workers in science has long been a very important 

 means of facilitating their labors, and thus of diffusing knowledge and 

 advancing the interests of science; and 



Whereas, Such transportation is greatly hampered and restricted by 

 the high rates of postage recently demanded for such material in both 

 domestic and foreign mails ; and 



Whereas, The lack of provision for low postage rates upon such 

 specimens amounts to a restrictive and often prohibitive tax upon the 

 dissemination of knowiedge; therefore, 



Resolved, That The Minnesota Academy of Natural Sciences do 

 hereby memorialize the Senators and Representatives of Minnesota in be- 

 half of a reduction of postage upon scientific specimens, and to use their 

 influence in every practicable way to further this object, so important to 

 the interests of scientific study and research throughout the world. 



October 2, 1894. 



Vice President Sudduth in the chair. 

 Eleven persons present. 



