204 Miscellanies. 



Treasurer — William Stone. 



Secretaries — Francis Markoe, Jr., Cor. Secretary, Pishey Thomp- 

 son, Rec. Secretary, 



A very able discourse was delivered before the Institution by the Hon. 

 Joel R. Poinsett, at the first anniversary. 



He states that the Institution " embraces every branch of knowledge." 

 It is divided under the following sections, namely : Astronomy, Geogra- 

 phy and Natural Philosophy, Natural History, Geology and Mineralogy, 

 Chemistry, the application of Science to the Useful Arts, Agriculture, 

 American History and Antiquities, and Literature and the Fine Arts. 

 Gratuitous lectures to be given by eminent men. Collections of objects 

 of natural history and of documentary information to be made from all 

 quarters of this country, and of specimens from all foreign countries. 

 Efforts to be made to rear a school of mines, which would be of great im- 

 portance. 



The ordnance officers lately returned from Europe have brought with 

 them many specimens of iron ores used in foreign foundries, and those of 

 the United States will be obtained and brought into comparison. The 

 South Polar Exploring Expedition have already sent home one hundred 

 and fifty boxes of specimens, which are stored away until a proper build- 

 ing can be provided to receive them. 



• Mr. Alexander Maclure, of New Harmony, Indiana, has offered a suite 

 of geological specimens from the cabinet of his late brother, William 

 Maclure, the pioneer of American geology, the munificent patron of the 

 Academy of Natural Sciences at Philadelphia, and of many other institu- 

 tions, recently deceased in Mexico. 



The Institution has issued its first bulletin of proceedings, from June 

 to December. Several of the sections are organized, being filled with 

 able men. (We hope they will prove workers, as no machine will go 

 without impulse.) Many donations are announced of minerals, books, 

 documents, maps, curiosities, works of art, &c. ; — and examinations of, and 

 reports on various scientific and practical subjects are suggested and pro- 

 jected. 



The bulletin contains a letter from the venerable Mr. Duponceau, on 

 the prospects and interests of the society ; it is exceedingly wise and kind, 

 and its suggestions should be kept constantly in view. 



There are instructive letters also from other eminent individuals at 

 home and abroad — copious extracts from the admirable discourse of Mr. 

 Poinsett, which shows enlarged views and extended knowledge, with the 

 best spirit ; also extended communications from Captain George W. 

 Hughes, of the corps of topographical engineers, containing very instruc- 

 tive and important communications respecting the mines and metallic 

 works and manufactures of South Wales, Cornwall and Devon, and many 

 other important subjects. 



