Celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary. xxxi 



of their Transactions. They did not worry when the Presi- 

 dent, in his annual message in January, 1864, complained 

 that the debts of the society exceeded $600.00; but they 

 clubbed together, had a sound balance soon reported in the 

 treasury and published the Transactions to be distributed by 

 the Smithsonian Institution and proclaim St. Louis' scientific 

 energy to the scientists of the world. 



It seems that scientific societies can best preserve and also 

 increase their membership and their finances by the careful 

 selection of their presiding officers. Always elect the most 

 popular and one who does not lack in energy. The election 

 of Capt. Jas. B. Eads as President brought many new mem- 

 bers to the roll and $1,000.00 could be paid out for printing 

 the Transactions during his administration. However, this 

 good fortune lasted scarcely ten years, when a considerable 

 deficit occurred again. These constant ups and downs were 

 always met bravely by members and Treasurer, but greatly 

 increased the labors of both of them. Ultimately, in the fall 

 of 1888, Col. Geo. E. Leighton bought the lot on Locust 

 street which had been donated by Jas. H. Lucas in June, 

 1872. The share of the proceeds of the sale belonging to the 

 Academy was $4,786.52, the safe possession of which seems 

 to have greatly strengthened the financial confidence of the 

 members of the Academy. 



The foregoing narration implicitly displays the spirit of 

 liberality existing among the members of the Academy, which 

 is distinctly exhibited by the voluntary contributions which 

 have sallied forth whenever help was required. It affords me 

 great pleasure to mention the many donations that have 

 graced the books of the Treasurer and are still delighting his 

 eyes. They commenced quite early. 



In 1857, Mr. Wm. H. Belcher is credited with $70.00; in 

 1860, Messrs. G. F. Filey, S. Partridge and W. H. Smith 

 jointly contributed $300.00. In 1868 Dr. G. Engelmann and 

 Br. A. Hill gave each $50.00. In 1864 Messrs. Holmes and 

 Harrison gave $55.00; Dr. Engelmann and Dr. Sander, 

 $100.00, while a list of members jointly signed $250.00 as a 

 donation. The next year the Treasurer collected $141.00 



