ESSEX COUNTY NATUEAL HISTOKY SOCIETY. 



The formation of a Society of Natural History, was propose^ in 

 the Salem Gazette for Tuesday, Feb 1, 1831, in a communication un- 

 der the signature of Elan.* In the Salem Observer for the Satur- 

 day following, two other communications on the same subject ap- 

 peared, calling the public attention to the importance of institu- 

 tions designed for the encouragement of a taste for the study of the 

 natural sciences. Occasionally articles of a similar import were 

 published in the newspapers, but no definite action was taken until 

 December, 1833, when on the evening of Saturday, the Hthinst., a 

 meeting of those friendly to this project was held, which resulted in 

 the organization of the Essex County Natural History Society, 

 Dr. A. Nichols, of Danvers, President, and J. M. Ives, of Salem, 

 Secretary. 



The following circular was printed and circulated calling atten- 

 tion to the organization of a Society of Natural History. 



Salem, Jan'y 1, 1834. 



To promote more generally the study of Natural History in the 

 County of Essex, a Society has been lately formed, the Constitution 

 of which is before you. It is proposed to procure, as soon as pos- 

 sible, a Library consisting of standard works, and a Cabinet of Spec- 

 imens in Natural History, and especially as complete a collection as 

 possible of the Natural productions of Essex County. In this de- 

 sign your aid is respectfully solicited. You are requested to invite 

 such of your friends and acquaintance as may feel an interest in the 

 promotion of this object, or a taste for such studies, to subscribe 

 the Constitution and become members. Ladies you will perceive 

 are not excluded, and it is anticipated that they will contribute 

 much to the success of the Society. Several in Salem have already 

 become subscribers. Donations in money, books, drawings, or 

 specimens of the productions of the three kingdoms in Nature, es- 

 pecially such as illustrate the Natural History of the County, will be 

 gratefully received and carefully appropriated and preserved. It is 

 intended to make it a County Society, and although the Library and 

 the Collections must have a local habitation, of more convenient ac- 

 cess to some than to others, no pains will be spared to extend the 

 benefits as equally as possible among all that contribute to its means 

 of usefulness. Communications on the location, habits and uses of 

 minerals, plants, and the various tribes of Animated Nature, are al- 

 so solicited. Communications, subscriptions, donations, &c. may be 

 transmitted to J. M. Ives, Secretary and Treasurer, Holyoke Place, 

 Essex Street, Salem. 



Per order of the Curators. 



John M. Ives, Sec'ry. 



Written by Benjamin Hale Ives, an enthusiastic and zealous naturalist; his at- 

 tention was mainly directed to the study of Insects, though he by no means 

 neglected the collateral branches. He was the youngest son of William and 

 Man- (Bradshaw) Ives born at Salem, Nov. S, 180C-^-died Jau'y. 20, 1837. 



