AITI.MHX. 



167 



" What object, then, can be offered t.. us more worthy of contempla- 

 tion than the attributes of this intermedium between ourselves and the 

 outer world? 



"Its existence, the modes of motion through it, its transverse vihra- 

 tions, tlu-ir creation of the ideas of light and colors in the mind, tin- in- 

 terferences of it> wa\es, polari/ation, the conception of radiations and 

 their physical and chemical effects t hex,. have occupied the thought- ,,f 

 men of the highest order. The observational powers of science have 

 been greatly extended through the consequent invention of tli-<- 

 in-truinents, the telescope, the microscope, the spectrometer. 

 tln-e \\e ha\e ohtaiiied more majestic views of the nature of the nni- 

 pene. Through these we are able to contemplate the >t rue tun- and 

 genesis of other systems of worlds, and are gathering information as to 

 the chemical constitution and history of the stars. 



"In this noble advancement of science you, through some of your 

 members, have taken no inconspicuous part. It adds imprecisely to 

 the honor you have this day conferred on me that your action i^ the 

 deliberate determination of competent, severe, impartial judges. I can- 

 not adequately express my feelings of gratitude in such a presence, pub- 

 licly pronouncing its approval on what I have done. 

 " I am, gentlemen, very truly yours, 



"JOHN W. DRAPER." 



The investigations and memoirs referred to by the committee of the 

 Academy are contained in this volume. 



