Ixii Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis. 



to man, or man's higher successor, will be comparable to the 

 great period since organic beings began to live on earth ; that 

 the period of intellectual development will compare in its vast- 

 ness with the periods of physical and of biological evolution 

 that have preceded it. If I were to forecast a future for this 

 Academy, it would be along the lines of these suggestions. 

 The specific work which this Academy will do may indeed be 

 lost in the great mass of concurrent influences, so far as 

 casual observation may go ; but it will not be lost in reality . 

 It will be merged into a complex of influences of almost 

 infinite magnitude. 



So I think it is not a little thing that is being done here, 

 because, although the Academic influence to-day may be 

 limited, the perpetuity of its effect in the ages to come, is 

 immeasurable. While therefore I congratulate you heartily 

 upon the successful completion of half a century, I predict for 

 you with confidence, not merely a million of years, but mill- 

 ions of years of future influence. 



The Toastmaster: — 



Before calling on the next speaker, I desire to read a letter 

 which will serve, perhaps, to bring us a little nearer to the 

 men whose memories we honor to-night. This letter I re- 

 ceived only a few hours ago, from Mrs.* Susan F. Stevens, 

 who was invited to be present on this occasion. Her de- 

 ceased husband was one of the founders of the Academy. 



I very much regret that I cannot be with you at the semi-centennial of 

 the Academy's origin. I fear the excitement would be too much for me. 

 I am eighty years old. 



I remember well some of the preliminary conferences which were held in 

 my house, which led to the organization of the Academy. The earnest 

 striving of the few active workers to surround themselves with supporters 

 and encouragers in their efforts to do something for the world in the lines 

 of scientific researcii. I wish you long life with extended usefulness. 



The Toastmaster: — 



The next speaker whom I will introduce represents a dif- 

 ferent phase of scientific work from those who have preceded 

 him. He is the delegate of the American Chemical Society. 

 I call upon Dr. J. H. Long, of Chicago. 



