THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 191 
meteorological science, and the affairs of the Smithsonian Institution 
Building. I think we are now in a fair way to have many knotty 
problems solved with regard to the mutual connection and causes 
of many natural phenomena. There certainly is no way in which 
the will of the founder of the Smithsonian Institution as to the increase 
of knowledge can be more effectually carried out than in taking charge 
of what no individual or even ordinary society could grasp. I consider 
the day as not very distant when many of the most interesting ques- 
tions in natural and physical science shall be solved by the agencies 
set in motion by the Institution, yourself at the head. How easy to 
call upon the trained meteorological correspondents for information 
upon other subjects, the distribution and local or general appearance 
of certain forms of animals, vegetables, or minerals; the occurrence 
of various diseases over the entire country; the spread and rate of 
progress of a pestilence as small pox, yellow fever, or cholera through 
the land; the range of action of noxious insects, as the Hessian fly, 
the cotton or tobacco worm, etc. with an infinity of others. I have 
long dreamed of some central association or influence which might 
call for such information, digest it, and then publish it in practical 
form to the world, and I see that my dream is not far from realization. 
Pennsylvania should not be behindhand with Massachusetts and 
New York in their aids to science. She will, I hope, follow their 
example when she realizes that an example has been set her by states 
with whom she has endeavored to compete in plans for universal 
education. 
There is quite an interesting article on meteorology in the Bilder 
Atlas which I have already translated, but have not had transcribed 
for the printer. It may occupy some pages of the Iconographic 
Encyclopedia. I would be much gratified if you would read it over 
and note any errors which may have crept in or been retained. I 
have finished the matter of about 700 pages of the whole American 
edition, having rendered nearly 300 last month. If I can continue 
at the same rate for several months longer I shall be through with it. 
Translating scientific matters is with me a labor of love, and when 
I finish the work I am at I shall miss a pleasant occupation. If you 
do not check my presumption, I may come upon you for permission 
to help you in your physical investigations by translating or digesting 
matters of German science. I could do much more than I now accom- 
