22 TJie Chicago Academy of Sciences. 



the presentation of papers representing the work of 

 the numerous special lines of investigation, it was 

 deemed advisable to so modify the constitution as to 

 permit the organization of sections. In January, 187(K 

 such an amendment was adopted, and a " Section of 

 Microscopy" and a " Section of Botany " were formed. 



Thus the Academy advanced step by step. Each 

 monthly meeting showed an increased interest. It 

 was evident that the affairs of the society were ably 

 managed, and that a strong foundation had been estab- 

 lished, upon which could be built a future valuablea like 

 to the lay and to the professional seekers after scientific 

 knowledge. During the last five months of the year 

 1870, 2,058 people visited the museum. This was a 

 gratifying number for that period in the history of 

 Chicago. At the close of that year the total member- 

 ship of the society numbered 139 life, sixty-nine resi- 

 dent and forty-six corresponding members. 



At the beginning of the year 1871 a brilliant future 

 seemed assured. Choice material constantly flowed to 

 its care, and the enthusiasm of the members steadily 

 grew under the wise guidance of Director Stimpson. 



But the evidences of the prosperity of the Academy 

 were not measured solely by these material elements. 

 It had a large hold upon public esteem. It was popular 

 to be scientific and to foster those things which would 

 aid and advance the investigation of the truths of 

 nature. The display of specimens and apparatus and 

 discussions of new theories were welcomed in the homes 

 of our citizens. Many soirees were held, and largely 

 attended by representative people. 



The act which perhaps did more than any other to 

 establish a reputation for the Academy and give it a 

 recognized place as a scientific institution among the 

 older societies, European as well as American, was the 

 publication of its first volume of transactions. This 

 was a royal octavo volume, containing eleven valuable 

 papers and 337 pages. It was beautifully illustrated 



