346 E. B. Hunt on an Index of Papers 
very character. Prof. Henry having as he declares found partic- 
ular advantages from using the mathematical and physical index 
arranged by that clear-minded philosopher, Dr. Thomas Young, on 
a somewhat similar idea, was not likely to forget this among plans 
for the increase and diffusion of knowledge. It is indeed a plan 
e 
such eminently deserves the aid of that Institution. Were the 
work done and well done, the Institution would undoubtedly 
undertake its publication. But done it is not, and the question is 
how to accomplish its proper excution. Could I have command- 
ed my own time, the performance of this work would have been 
a congenial labor. In spite of that precariousness of station which 
is my professional prerogative, I was much inclined to this under- 
taking and probably should have begun it, had not the assignment 
of triple public duties made it simple folly to venture it. Thus 
with the best intentions I am obliged to forego this expectation, 
and have brought the subject here in the ho 
more favored by circumstances may be induced to undertake so 
needful an enterprise. I will gladly lend any aid in my power, 
to any one who is both fit and willing thus to work for the good 
of science. How far assistance and compensation might be al- 
lowed by the Smithsonian Institution in the execution of this plan 
is, of course, not for me to say. From the real value of the pro- 
posed work and the interest felt by the Smithsonian officers in its 
accomplishment, it is fair to infer that no reasonable aid would be 
enied which the means of the Institution would authorize. Its 
valuable collection of memoirs and transactions would be of pe- 
culiar value in this connection. 
ere is one excellent suggestion for which I am indebted to 
Prof. Baird. This is that an Index of American Scientific pa- 
pers would be a useful and proper beginning for such an underta- 
ing. The exceedingly scattered and anomalous vehicles through 
which American investigation have reached the present time, will 
make this portion of the search rather peculiar, and it is on this 
account much more needful. In truth, we do not know the re 
wealth of our own science, especially those of us who are young in 
such pursuits. Europe too isin a state of deplorable ignorance rela- 
tive to our investigations, an ignorance which has considerable ex- 
oo; for how can we expect foreigners to ferret out science 
from Patent Office and Coast Survey Reports or other public docu- 
ments, Regents Reports, State Legislative documents, or ind 
from any except the standard journals and memoir series. ‘Thus 
there are very good reasons for an American Index, as preliminary 
to a general one, with which it could be regularly incorporated. 
e work now proposed is certainly one of great labor. It 
will require several years and an examination of various libra- 
ries for its completion. Our own libraries will not offer all the 
ae 
