194 KANSAS CITY REVIEW OF SCIENCE. 



to the people of London and Liverpool, and almost as quickly the news is read 

 in different languages in Paris, Berlin, Vienna, Rome, and St. Petersburg. 



Another of the triumphs of modern science enables man to hold verbal com- 

 munication with his fellow man, though separated by hundreds of miles — to recog- 

 nize the very intonations of tlie voice of his friend, as if conversing face to face. 

 These are but a few of the grand gifts of modern science to the commercial, intel- 

 lectual and social world. There are many others, as in chemistry applied to 

 agriculture, medicine and the arts. In the secluded quiet of the laboratory men 

 like Pasteur are daily searching out and bring to light the hitherto hidden secrets 

 of nature, and are contributing their discoveries to the constantly accumulating 

 store of human knowledge and human blessings. We, as an Academy, or as 

 individuals, may add no original discoveries to the sum of scientific knowledge. 

 We may, however, have our thoughts and views enlarged by being interested 

 observers of the truths which science has revealed, and which are constantly 

 coming to light in its onward progress. It may be the good fortune of our hum- 

 ble Association, as it grows in strength and influence, to impart to some youthful 

 mind the inspiration that may develop into important scientific results. All must 

 concede that our purposes are of an elevating character, and our Society such as 

 all thoughtful people must commend, even if they do not take an active interest 

 with us. Every young person who attends a meeting of the Academy comes 

 with a higher and nobler purpose than that which would prompt him to attend 

 an ordinary amusement or pleasure resort. Our Society has been very economi- 

 cally managed. We are not in debt, and have, I believe, a small balance in the 

 treasury. We need funds, however, to make provision for our collections, and 

 for such contributions as are being made from time to time. We should also be 

 able to support an occasional course of public scientific lectures. 



Des Moines is rapidly advancing in population and wealth, and although its 

 leading citizens are largely engrossed in money making, many of them are not 

 indifferent to things which tend to intellectual advancement. Who knows how 

 many such might be induced to become life members of this Academy, if for 

 no other reason but to give assistance and encouragement to a commendable in- 

 stitution of the city ? 



And now, fellow members of the Academy, hoping that all of us will work 

 together for the realization of our highest ideal, and thanking you for your con- 

 fidence as expressed in calling me for another year to preside over your deliber- 

 ations, I conclude this paper. 



THE HISTORY OF THE TELEPHONE. 



Mr. E. Berliner, well known to those of our readers who are versed in tele- 

 phonic matters, has sent the following communications to the Electrical World. 

 This 'gentleman's remarks concerning Bourseul will doubtless be specially inter- 

 esting to one of our most distinguished scientists who has so warmly espoused the 

 cause of Reis. 



