ACADEMY OF SCIENCE OF ST. LOUIS 
The Academy of Science of St. Louis was founded in 
1856 and chartered by the Nineteenth General Assembly of 
the State of Missouri by an act dated January 17, 1857. 
The objects for which the Academy of Science was founded 
are set forth in the Charter. They are threefold: first, 
the advancement of science; second, the establishment in 
the City of St. Louis of a museum for the illustration and 
study of the various branches of science; third, the cre- 
ation of a scientific library. Membership in the Academy 
is not limited to those actively engaged as scientific 
workers; those interested in science are equally welcome. 
An early and important museum of the Academy of 
Science was totally destroyed by fire in 1869. This ap- 
pears to have been one of the significant museums of the 
country at the time, containing many type specimens. It 
would no doubt have been the nucleus for a great institu- 
tion in the city of St. Louis. Later attempts to found a 
museum were not very successful until the present museum, 
4642 Lindell Blvd., was established in 1943. There is a 
growing appreciation by the community of the scientific 
and educational work of the present museum. It is, how- 
ever, only the beginning of the extensive science center 
planned for the future. 
The Library of the Academy of Science of St. Louis 
originated soon after the founding of the Academy m 185b. 
By the turn of the century it was said to be the most ex- 
tensive of its kind west of the Allegheny Mountains. The 
Library consists of approximately 70,000 volumes and pam- 
phlets. Preserved here are the journals and reports oi 
scientific organizations, learned societies and univer- 
sities from all parts of the world covering a period oi 
many years. 
It should be stressed, however, that, not only J^^ 
older publications found here, but the latest scientitic 
literature is being received daily. The fact that some 
of the material housed here is very rare and not avaiiaoie 
elsewhere in the west emphasized the importance of tnis 
Library. Publications in all branches of both pure ana 
applied sciences are represented. Its value to commercial 
and industrial concerns of the community is eviaent. 
On the exchange list are 338 foreign institutions and 
138 from the United States. Many of their publications 
are continuations of sets dating back many years. 
The Library is available not only to members of the 
Academy but to all requiring its use. 
