(xin) 



tate operations now going on, or to preserve facts that may 

 have been casually discovered, but, also, to suggest new- 

 investigations and to encourage others to enter the field 

 of research who have not yet essayed their hand in this 

 direction. In the great domain of science, there is abundant 

 room for an infinite number of laborers of different grades 

 of attainment and original powers of mind. A series of 

 careful observations made with proper instruments, with 

 regularity and precision, which requires little more than 

 the exercise of the senses and a conscientious regard for 

 truth, is frequently a valuable contribution to science. A 

 series of analyses in which prescribed formulas are ob- 

 served, and in the application of which no more talent is 

 required than that which is possessed by the majority of 

 persons of ordinary ability and education, may give results 

 of scientific value. For the production of results of the 

 kind mentioned, and those which are effected by the scientist 

 who is capable of detecting hitherto undiscovered facts 

 and developing new laws, there is room for all grades of 

 talent and of powers of original investigation. It is asto- 

 nishing how much may be done by the association of minds 

 determined Ofi a common pursuit ; how much, under such 

 conditions as exist in the city of Washington, may be 

 effected in the way of directing attention to special lines 

 of investigation, in suggesting questions to be asked of 

 nature, and in pointing out the ready means by which 

 the answers may be elicited, by arousing into activity 

 talents which, v/ithout such stimulus and suggestion, would 

 ever remain dormant. 



The bane of many societies is the time consumed in 

 details of business and in the discussion of non-essential 

 points relative to their government. Happily, the organ- 



