JuxE 9, 1899.] 



SCIENCE. 



80^ 



work now in actual operation in Switzer- 

 land, mentioning that of Dr. Field. 



It was agreed further that the time of 

 calling the Provisional International Com- 

 mittee together be left to the Royal Society. 



Some discussion arose at this point with 

 3'egard to the meaning of Article 22, as to 

 whether the delegates continue to exist as 

 •delegates after the adjournment of the Con- 

 ference. There was a joint agreement that 

 the committees should be appointed by the 

 delegates, and the report of these commit- 

 tees transmitted by the delegates. 



After a vote of thanks to the Society of 

 Antiquaries, and to the President, Sir John 

 Gorst, the Conference adjourned. 



It would seem ungracious not to mention 

 the very pleasant hospitalities of the Royal 

 Societj', which gave a dinner to the dele- 

 gates, presided over by its distinguished 

 President, Lord Lister, and of the English 

 delegates, who also gave a dinner, presided 

 over by Sir ISTorman Lockyer. 



The delegates had frequent meetings out- 

 side of the regular meetings of the Confer- 

 ence, which fact expedited the work. There 

 was no division or national lines, all the 

 conclusions being reached either as a result 

 of the individual opinions of those present 

 or based upon conditions existing in the 

 country of the particular delegate. 



The official Acta of the Congress were 

 printed in the issue of Science for Novem- 

 ber 11, 1898. 



On returning from abroad I submitted the 

 accompanying report to the Secretary of 

 State : 



SlE : 



Washington, November 15, 1898. 



Having been appointed, together veith Mr. S. P. 

 Langley, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, a 

 delegate on the part ot the United States to the Con- 

 ference on an International Catalogue of Scientific 

 Literature, to be held at London on July 12, 1898, -we 

 proceeded abroad on July 2nd. 



The British Government found it expedient to 

 postpone the conference until October 11. At the re- 



quest of the Department, and with the consent of the 

 Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, I continued 

 abroad and attended the Conference. Mr. Langley's 

 official duties necessitated his return to the United 

 States in September. 



The deliberations were in continuation of those 

 had at a previous Conference in 1890, at which this 

 Government was also represented. Satisfactory con- 

 clusions were reached, leaving only such questions 

 as can be definitely determined by an International 

 Committee, on which the United States is repre- 

 sented by Mr. Langley. 



I have the honor to transmit herewith the Acta of 

 the Conference. Iheproch verbal will be issued later, 

 and a copy forwarded to the Department. 



I beg most respectfully to bring to your notice the 

 report of the delegates of the United States to the 

 first Conference ( Professor Simon Newcomb and Doc- 

 tor J. S. P)i]lings) to repeat the recommendations 

 made by them, and to further draw your attention to 

 the recommendation of the Secretary of the Smithso- 

 nian Institution, all of which is contained in Senate 

 Document No. 43, .54th Congress, 2nd session, a copy 

 of which is herewith appended. 



I have much pleasure in informing you that both 

 in public and pri\ately, the Delegates of the United 

 Kingdom, and of other Powers, expressed a very 

 generous appreciation of the scientific activity of the 

 United States, and 1 beg to be allowed to commend 

 to the favorable con.sideration of the Department, the 

 recommendation of such legislation as will enable the 

 United States to worthily take its share in this highly 

 important International project. 

 I have the honor to be 



Sir, Your most obedient servant, 

 (Signed) Critus Adler. 

 The Honorable, 



The Secretary of State. 



His reply is given herewith : 



LS Depaetmext of State, 



Wasliing'on, Novem'er S5, 1S9S. 

 Phofessor Cyri's Adler, 



Smithsonian InslUulion, Wnshington, D. C. 



Sib : I have to acknowledge the receipt of your let- 

 ter ot the 15th instant in regard to the work of the 

 Conference on an International Catalogue of Scientific 

 Literature which met at London on the 11th ultimo 

 and to which you were a delegate on the part of the 

 United States. 



With reference to yoar suggestion that such legisla- 

 tion be recommended to Congress as will enable the 

 United States to worthily take its share in this highly 

 useful and important international project, 1 have to 

 state that I had already in the estimates for this De- 



