302 TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 



slope of the Appalachian Range. Minerals containing Lead, Zinc, Copper, 

 and other metals of minor importance, are found in numerous localities and 

 in abundance. The southern shore of Lake Superior pi'esents the anomaly 

 of lodes of pure copper. For many valuable mineral discoveries we are 

 indebted to Geologists, bj' whoso early explorations the position and rela- 

 tion of the metal-bearing strata were determined. The opening of the 

 numerous ore beds, and the establishing of furnaces and smelting works, 

 have been facilitated by the scientific services of the mineralogist, the 

 chemist, and the mining engineer. 



The discoverer of Gold in California marks a new epoch, and has already 

 resulted in peopling the shores of the Pacific. Concerning this auriferous 

 region nothing need be stated, except that the value of the precious metal 

 annually produced exceeds fifty tnillions of dollars. 



Mercurial ore is found in abundance not far from San Francisco, and 

 silver ore of Remarkable richness in Nevada. Revelations of hidden wealth 

 are now too frequent to excite surprise. They are not made, however, 

 without the labor of those experienced miners who have had iheir percep- 

 tions quickened by many failures. 



PETROLEUM. 



The discover}'- that the means of illumination could be supplied by the 

 distillatioji of rosin and of cannel coal, promised to lead to important 

 results ; but the very recent disclosure of immense reservoirs of oil, dis- 

 tilled by Nature, has thwarted previous plans for manufacturing oleaginous 

 fluids. In the purification of petroleum, another product is obtained, which 

 is found to be a substitute for turpentine in the preparation of paints. Tlie 

 immense yield of the oil wells is now attracting the attention of large 

 capitalists. Already the amount exported entitles Petroleum to a place 

 among the principal products exchanged for foreign manufactures. The 

 composition of the crude material is not yet accurat-ely ascertained. 

 Doubtless, many new uses will be found for the various hydro-carbons into 

 which it may be separated. Tlie subject affords the chemist a rare oppor- 

 tunity for experimental research. 



NEED OF HEN OF SCIENCE. 



From the brief review of progress thus presented, it will be apparent 

 that in the development of the resources of this country, and in the advance- 

 ment of tiie peaceful arts, there has been a constant need of more scientific 

 men. Fortunately for us, our Government has taken the precaution to 

 educate men in the art of war, at the public expense. Th6 great interests 

 at stake in the present Rebellion have not been left to the guardianship of 

 undisciplined soldiers. Those in higiiest command have received a military 

 education. The same principle, applied to our seminaries of learning, 

 would require tiiat every scholar sent forth should be thoroughly versed in 

 science and its application to the arts, because, whatever may be his future 

 position or occupation, there will necessarily be emergencies when such 

 knowledge only can extricate him from difficulties. 



NEED FOR COLLEGE REFORMS. 



It is proper, therefore, to encourage a habit for such studies, and to 

 favorably notice every innovation that tcjids to adapt the system of educa* 



