ADDRESS OF PROF. S. NEWCOMB. 449 



each part therefore indicating in the revolution the thousandth part 

 of a second. Close to the surface of this cylinder, which revolves 

 horizontally, are placed two galvanometers, one at each extremity 

 of a diameter ; the needles of these being furnished at one end with 

 a pen for making a dot with printer's ink on the revolving surface. 

 In the appendix to the paper he proposes to dispense with the gal- 

 vanometer and produce the marks by direct electrical action, as is 

 now done in the usual astronomical chronograph. 



While at Princeton a number of researches on other branches of 

 experimental physics were published. It is not however necessary 

 to describe them at length, because they are most exhaustively dis- 

 cussed in the memoir of Mr. Taylor before referred to. Whether 

 they pertain to the most familiar phenomena of every-day life or 

 the most complex combinations in the laboratory, they are all 

 marked by the qualities of the author's mind, acuteness in cross- 

 examining nature, a clear appreciation of the logic of science, and 

 an enthusiasm for truth irrespective of its utilitarian results. 

 Reserving for the future some general remarks on the scope of 

 Professor Henry's scientific work, the qualities which it displays, 

 and its relation to the progress of our country, we may pass at once 

 to his connection with the Smithsonian Institution. 



The origin of the Smithsonian Institution is so remarkable and 

 many features of its early history so instructive that it must long 

 continue to be a theme of interest to the historian of our intellectual 

 development. The writer may therefore be excused for touching 

 upon a threadbare subject by repeating the story of the origin and 

 early difficulties of this establishment. He does so the more will- 

 ingly because he believes some features connected with it have not 

 been fully brought out. 



James Smithson, a private English gentleman of fortune and 

 scientific tastes, a chemist of sufficient note to be elected a Fellow 

 of the Royal Society,' led a comparatively retired life, and died, 

 unmarried, in 1829. He does not seem to have left any near 

 relatives except a nephew. On opening his will it was found to be 

 short and simple. Except an annuity to his servant, he left the 

 nephew, for his life, the whole income from his property, and the 

 29 



