ABSTRACT OF HISTORY. 
ORGANIZATION, 
The Academy of Science of St. Louis was organized on 
the 10th of March, 1856, in the hall of the Board of Public 
Schools. Dr. George Engelmann was the first President. 
CHARTER. 
On the 17th of January following, a charter incorporat- 
ing the Academy was signed and approved, and this was 
accepted by a vote of the Academy on the 9th of February, 
1857. 
OBJECTS. 
The act of incorporation declares the object of the 
Academy to be the advancement of science and the estab- 
lishment in St. Louis of a museum and library for the 
illustration and study of its various branches, and pro- 
vides that the members shall acquire no individual prop- 
erty in the real estate, cabinets, library, or other of its 
effects, their interest being merely usufructuary. 
The constitution as adopted at the organization meet- 
ing and amended at various times subsequently, provides 
for holding meetings for the consideration and discussion 
of scientific subjects; taking measures to procure original 
. papers upon such subjects; the publication of transac- 
tions; the establishment and maintenance of a cabinet of 
objects illustrative of the several departments of science 
and a library of works relating to the same; and the 
establishment of relations with other scientific institu- 
tions. To encourage and promote special investigation 
in any branch of science, the formation of special sections 
under the charter is provided for. 
MEMBERSHIP. 
Members are classified as active members, correspond- 
ing members, honorary members and patrons. Active 
