Record. XXXVIl 
in addition to a concluding brochure containing an abstract of pro- 
ceedings for the year, etc., the nineteenth volume of our Transactions 
will contain ten worthy contributions to knowledge which have seen 
the light in 1910. The encouraging financial condition that was 
reported a year since, continues. The treasurer reports a current 
balance of $119.04. By further subscription, the endowment reported 
at the end of 1909 was increased to $7,500.00, which was doubled in the 
early part of the year through the generosity of a few members, so 
that this safeguard of our reality and of our publishing activities now 
stands at $15,000.00, which, by vote of the Academy, has been placed 
in trust for a term of twenty-five years at the end of which the prin- 
cipal will require re-investment,—the income, only (netting about 5. 
per cent) being available for current use. ‘ 
In the course of the year much needed renovations have been 
made in our building, the initial cost of which, assumed by the Engi- 
neers’ Club, is covered by a corresponding reduction in the rental paid 
by the Club. What is expected to be a material betterment in the 
quiet and ventilation of the meeting room is being made by the pro- 
vision of apparatus for delivering an ample supply of tempered pure 
air, with removal of the vitiated air, permitting the windows to be 
covered at all seasons with pads which are expected to intercept much 
of the noise from the street which now interferes seriously with the 
use of the room, especially in the summer, when windows are opened 
to secure a circulation of air. The initial cost of this installation— 
the efficiency test of which is awaited with keen anticipation—is borne 
by the Engineers’ Club, the Academy assuming the operating expense. 
Death has claimed again a heavy toll from our members: Gustav 
Baumgarten, Pierre Chouteau, David F. Kaime, Jacob Klein, Rufus J. 
Lackland, Henry W. Scheffer. Notwithstanding these losses and the 
customary resignations of sustaining members, the membership has 
experienced a net increase of fifty-three (14 per cent.), and at the end 
of the year stands at four hundred and thirty-three, the highest figure 
yet reached. The list is a roll of honor, including, in addition to the 
still lamentably few productive investigators of the community, the 
names of those whose interest and work and gifts are making the 
“new St. Louis.” 
Gratifying to your officers, is your increasing individual activity 
in sustaining and enlarging this membership, on which, as I stated a 
year ago, rests and must continue to rest the Academy’s power for 
good. In 1909, thirty-three names of sponsors appeared on the pro- 
posals of the 135 members elected; last year, the eighty-eight proposals 
submitted bore sixty-two signatures. May not a further diffusion of 
activity in presenting suitable names be hoped for this year? The 
task is easy, the value and privilege of membership are clear, and the 
cause is worthy. 
(Signed) WILLIAM TRELEASE, 
President. 
