12 INTRODUCTION. 



sideration in other ways, and the actual results of the 

 work done are as astonishing as the unprecedented quick- 

 ness of growth of the Association in numbers and in- 

 fluence. 



The originator of this enterprise has done something 

 permanent toward developing and spreading a taste for 

 self-culture in an almost new sense, so far as the ma- 

 jority of people are concerned. He has sihown that there 

 is a practicable method by which the average intelligence 

 and self-reliant character of the people outside of the 

 schoolroom, as well as in it, can be effectively increased. 

 He has taught thousands how to work with whatever 

 means were at hand, not only for their own intellectual 

 improvement, but for that of their children and neigh- 

 bors. This must also eventually affect the curriculum of 

 the public schools in many places, through the creation 

 6f a demand for better and more natural methods of in- 

 struction. If he devote the remainder of his life to carry- 

 ing on and perfecting the system he has originated, he 

 can do nothing more desirable for the interests of science 

 in this country, or more likely to secure future happiness 

 and personal satisfaction for himself, as well as for many 

 thousands of his country-people of all ages and both 

 sexes. 



I should also take the liberty of saying that material 

 returns should not be wanting, in order to secure the en- 

 joyment of something more than the personal satisfac- 

 tion of having done good work, and that the Association 

 should be placed on a permanent basis, and its work se- 

 cured, now and in the future, by means of large invested 

 funds. Respectfully yours, 



ALPHEUS HYATT. 



