and lead ores of Missouri. ^^ At least his report aroused the 
people of the Vest to want to know more about their natural 
resources. 
Another 
in natural science 
in St. Louis, as it was in other places, was the American Jour 
Science , the leading periodical in the field. That it 
was read by scientists of the city is shown by the appearance 
in it of "Meteorological tables for the year 1836, prepared by 
the Meteorological Department of the St. Louis Association of 
Natural Sciences. "^^ In the American Journal of Science also 
were the results of public investigations, such as state geolo 
ical surveys, and personal and private scientific findings-^* 
an Journal of Science and 
as the Academy of Natural Sciences 
of Philadelphia, and from the personal experien 
George Engelmann and others, the group of natur 
thusiasts in St. Louis would have known what an 
was 
ganized, and what it should do.^* 
organizat 
leaders, and in St. Louis was a group 
scientists. Dr. Engelmann 
Germany and 
but he was closely seconded by his fellow countryman. Dr. Adolph 
Wislezenus, and by Dr. Henry King and Dr. Benjamin B. Brown, 
both American born, who were also enthusiastic and capable 
scientists. 
Beginning sometime in 1835 or 1836, Engelmann, Brown, 
Wislezenus, the Rev. William G. Eliot, Jr., William Weber, the 
editor and publisher of the Einzeiger des Westens, and others, 
held informal meetings in homes and offices, in some such man- 
ner as Eliot described when he wrote, "More than forty years 
ago, five or six young men, of whom I was one, met together on 
Main Street near Chestnut in the office of the Honorable Mary 
[Marie] Le Due. "is (Le Due was the judge of the County Court). 
The result of these meetings of doctors and public spirite- 
laymen was announced in the press: "The public is respectfully 
informed that the chemical and mineralogical department of tne 
St. Louis Association of Natural Science will analyze any min- 
erals found in Missouri or the adjoining states, provided they 
are sent free of charge to the Corresponding Secretary. 
P. S. The different newspapers of the mining districts are re- 
spectfully requested to publish this. „ « ™, 
[signed] B. B. Brown 
Sec 
236 
