4 Transactions of tub American Institute. 



graphers. Its proceedings have been of too teclmical a character to 

 interest any but those who understand something of the chemical 

 action of light, yet they contain much of interest to the large class- 

 who are now practising the most beautiful of all modern arts. 



The proceedings of the several societies mentioned, and a very full 

 report of the exhibition of 1867, form the bulk of the volume of 

 Transactions, soon to be issued by the State printer, which is by far 

 the largest of our series. Under authority conferred by the by-laws, 

 the Board of Trustees inaugm-ated, in November last, a course of 

 scientific lectures, which have been continued weekly since that time, 

 and will close on the 10th day of February; the day preceding the 

 annual election of officers. It was deemed best to introduce in this 

 course a great variety of topics, and to engage as lecturers scientists 

 of established reputation, and mostly from our leading institutions of 

 learning. The project excited unusual public interest, and was 

 warmly approbated by the press. These lectures have been the 

 means of bringing the American Institute more directly to notice of 

 a large class of citizens who formerly knew little of its operations ; 

 they have also brought together many members with their families, 

 who seldom visit the rooms of the Institute. The steadily increasing 

 attendance throughout the course is the best evidence of its popu- 

 larity ; and its success is more marked from the fact that no extended 

 series of lectures of a similar character have before met with public 

 approval. It has demonstrated that science, when expounded by 

 competent teachers, and illustrated with experiments and attractive 

 diagrams, will command attention, and cannot fail to exert a benefi- 

 cent influence. The Board of Trustees, therefore, recommend that 

 the system now inaugurated be continued from year to year. 



For reasons set forth in the report of the Board of Managers, na 

 general exliibition was held in the fall of 1868. So long as the 

 Institute depends on securing the temporary occupation of premises 

 there must necessarily be some uncertainty as to the holding of an 

 autumnal exhibition. This uncertainty naturally influences the action 

 of those manufacturers and producers who are desirous of competing 

 for premiums, but who seldom make any preparation therefor imtil 

 they receive our circular, announcing the holding of our exhibition, 

 which, as a general rule, is not issued more than two months in 

 advance. All the annoyances and vexations arising from the spas- 

 modic action of the Institute in its preparations for an exposition are 

 so thoroughly appreciated by its members, that it is believed they 



