th PREFACE. 
try. But the devoted cultivators of science in the United States, 
are comparatively few; they are, however, rapidly increasing in 
number. Among them are persons distinguished for their capa- 
city and attainments, and, notwithstanding the local feelings nour- 
ished by our state sovereignties, and the rival claims of several 
of our larger cities, there is evidently a predisposition towards a 
concentration of effort, from which we may hope for the hap- 
piest results, with regard to the advancement of both the science 
and reputation of our country. 
“Ts it not, therefore, desirable to furnish some rallying point, 
some object sufficiently interesting to be nurtured by common 
efforts, and thus to become the basis of an enduring, common 
interest? ‘To produce these efforts, and to excite this interest, 
nothing, perhaps, bids fairer than a Sctentiric JouRNAL. 
““ No one, it is presumed, will doubt that a Journal devoted to 
science, and embracing a sphere sufficiently extensive to allure 
to its support the principal scientific men of our country, is greatly 
needed ; if cordially supported, it will be successful, and if suc- 
cessful, it will be a great public benefit. 
“Even a failure, in so good a cause, (unless it should arise from 
incapacity or unfaithfulness, ) cannot be regarded as dishonorable. 
It may prove only that the attempt was premature, and that our 
country is not yet ripe for such an undertaking ; for without the 
efficient support of talent, knowledge, and money, it cannot long 
proceed. No editor can hope to carry forward such a work with- 
out the active aid of scientific and practical men ; but, at the same 
time, the public have a right to expect that he will not be sparing 
of his own labor, and that his work shall be generally marked by 
the impress of his own hand. ‘To this extent the editor cheer- 
fully acknowledges his obligations to the public; and it will be 
his endeavor faithfully to redeem his pledge. 
‘Most of the periodical works of our country have been short- 
lived. This, also, may perish in its infancy ; and if any degree 
of confidence is cherished that it will attain a maturer age, it is 
derived from the obvious and intrinsic importance of the under- 
taking; from its being built upon permanent and momentous 
national interests; from the evidence of a decided approbation of 
the design, on the part of gentlemen of the first eminence, ob- 
