ADVERTISEMENT. 



This volume forms the second of a series, composed of original memoirs on 

 different branches of knowledge, pubhshed at the expense, and under the direction, 

 of the Smithsonian Institution. The publication of this series forms part of a 

 general plan adopted for carrying into effect the benevolent intentions of James 

 Smithson, Esq., of England. This gentleman left his property in trust to the 

 United States of America, to found at Washington an institution which should 

 bear his own name, and have for its objects the " ina-ease and diffusion of know- 

 ledge among men." This trust was accepted by the Government of the United 

 States, and an Act of Congress was passed August 10th, 1846, constituting the 

 President and the other principal executive officers of the general government, the 

 Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the Mayor of Washington, and such other 

 persons as they might elect honorary members, an estabhshment, under the name 

 of the " Smithsonian Institution, for the increase and diffusion of know- 

 ledge AMONG MEN." The members and honorary members of this establishment 

 are to hold stated and special meetings for the supervision of the affairs of the 

 Institution, and for the advice and instruction of a Board of Regents, to whom 

 the financial and other affairs are entrusted. 



The Board of Regents consists of three members ex officio of the establishment, 

 namely, the Vice President of the United States, the Chief Justice of the Supreme 

 Court, and the Mayor of Washington, together with twelve other members, three 

 of whom are appointed by the Senate from its own body, three by the House of 

 Representatives from its members, and six citizens appointed by a joint resolution 

 of both houses. To this board is given the power of electing a Secretary and 

 other officers, for conducting the active operations of the Institution. 



To carry into effect the purposes of the testator, the plan of organization 

 should evidently embrace two objects, — one, the increase of knowledge by the 

 addition of new truths to the existing stock; the other, the diffusion of knowledge, 

 thus increased, among men. No restriction is made in favor of any kind of 

 knowledge, and hence each branch is entitled to and should receive a share of 

 attention, 



