DISCOURSE OF W. B. TAYLOR, 275 



consideration; and announced very decided views. As Smithson 

 was a man of scientific culture, a Fellow of the Royal Society, an 

 expert analytical chemist, and devoted to original research, Henry 

 held that the language of his Will must receive its most accurate 

 and scientific and at the same time most comprehensive interpreta- 

 tion ; that the words " increase and diffusion of knowledge among 

 men" were deliberately and intelligently employed; and that no 

 local or even national interests were as broad as its terms, — that no 

 merely educational projects of whatever character, no schemes of 

 material and practical advancement however useful, could justly 

 be regarded as fulfilling the obvious intent — expressed by a scien- 

 tific thinker and writer — first of all the increase of knowledge by 

 the promotion of original research, — the addition of new truths to 

 the existing stock of knowledge, and secondly — its widest possible 

 diffusion among mankind.* 



These wise and far-reaching views exerted a marked influence; 

 and though hardly then in accord with the opinion of the majority, 

 yet led to his election December 3d, 1846, as the "Secretary" and 

 actual Director of the infant institution, f A second time was 

 Henry called upon to sever dearly prized associations, — the pros- 

 perous and congenial pursuits of fourteen years within the classic 

 halls of Princeton. One motive turned the wavering scale. Here 

 was a rare occasion offered by the enlightened provision of James 

 Smithson, to secure for abstract science and unpromising original 

 research, a much needed encouragement and support ; and an obli- 

 gation imposed upon the scientific few to resist and if possible 

 prevent the perversion of the trust to the merely popular uses of 

 the short-sighted many. That years would be required for shaping 

 the character and conduct of the institution as he desired, was 

 certain; — that this could not be effected without much opposition 

 and various obstacle, he very clearly foresaw. That during these 

 years of active supervision and direction, he must abandon all hope 

 of personal opportunity for original research, he as freely accepted 

 in the expressive remark made to a trusted friend in consultation on 



*" Programme of Organization," Smithsonian Report for 1847. See "Supple- 

 ment," Note H. 



f See "Supplement," Note I. 



