90 Academy of Natural Sciences. 



that from the commencement of the society its members have been 

 characterized by untiring zeal and industry ; and that their unosten- 

 tatious but effectual exertions in the cause of science, were the great 

 incentives to Mr. Maclure's subsequent liberality. 



The Academy was incorporated in 1817 ; about which time the 

 publication of the " Journal" was commenced. From that period 

 its permanence and prosperity may be dated. Its location though 

 not the most desirable, was respectable, and in some respects conven- 

 ient J and its collections of books and specimens augmented rapidly. 

 It was soon found necessary to provide more extensive accommoda- 

 tions than those hitherto enjoyed, and in the spring of 1825 the Acad- 

 emy purchased the spacious building they now occupy, and have 

 spared no expense in adapting it to their purposes. 



This building, which was originally designed for a place of wor- 

 ship, is situated at the corner of Twelfth and George streets : it is 

 a quadrangular, stuccoed brick edifice, about forty four feet square, 

 and surmounted by a dome. It has no partitions, but presents a sin- 

 gle saloon, with a gallery eight feet broad traversing tlie wall on all 

 sides midway between the floor and ceiling. The light is admitted 

 from the dome, and from six side windows above the gallery. 



The lower part of the building is occupied chiefly as a Library 

 and meeting-room, while the gallery is devoted to the collections. 

 The latter are displayed in upright cases against the walls, and in 

 horizontal cases against the railing of the gallery. The objects are 

 arranged in accordance with the most approved systems ; and their 

 generic and specific names and localities, together with the names 

 of the donors, are conspicuously attached to each. The atten- 

 tion which is paid to these particulars renders the cabinet of the 

 Academy not only pleasing to the eye, but very satisfactory for re- 

 ference ; and it is obvious that without such care the most splendid 

 collections are productive of more disappointment than gratification 

 to the beholder. 



To render these collections extensively useful, and to diffuse tlie 

 love of science in every class of the community, the Academy about 

 two years since passed a law rendering its museum accessible to tlie 

 public ; and it is now opened to the gratuitous admission of citizens 

 and strangers on the afternoons of Tuesdays and Saturdays through- 

 out the year. 



The meetings are held every Tuesday evening ; they are open 

 to strangers excepting the last meeting in each month, which is re- 



