no SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 



branches represented in its ten sections, covering the whole field of science 

 as it is today outlined by investigators. In 1874, it vi^as found necessary 

 to provide for two classes of members, and in order to ensure the preserva- 

 tion of the prestige and dignity of the organization as a purely scientific 

 institution, the governing body has since been composed wholly of "Fel- 

 lows," although the officers are chosen by a general committee to which 

 non-professional members may be elected. 



My thesis is that the local Academy best subserves its end when, with- 

 out losing sight of the value of original research and of the diity to 

 perform it which rests on well qualified members, it provides, in a re- 

 stiicttd degree, much the same advantages, and secures, in minor meas- 

 ure, similar results to those of the American Association. Its objects are 

 "to promote intercourse between those who are cultivating science 

 * * * *, to give a stronger and more general impulse and more sys- 

 tematic direction to scientiirc research, and to procure for the labors of 

 scientific men increased facilities and a wider usefulness." 



A suggestion has recentlv been made in Science by Dr. Franz Boas, 

 that the various local societies might properly be affiliated with the Amer- 

 ican Association for the Advancement of Science, as foster-children. A 

 gravitating movement to this end may probably be recognized in the 

 changes which have occurred in that boiiv. But the end is not yet. 



I'he changes in methods reauired to adant our machinery wholly to 

 such a system would not seriously disturb accepted traditions, nor could 

 any but good results ensue. But I believe that two issues will ere long 

 be presented to us which can only be settled properly in one way. We 

 must develop greater interest in the sections on the part of technical mem- 

 bers and avoid popularizing these meetings to the extent of belittling the 

 name of science; and we must spare no pains to secure speakers for the 

 general meetings who can popularly interpret the results of technical re- 

 search. As the means to these ends, it will sometime become necessary 

 to adopt the method of the American Association and to give over the 

 management of the sections to a select class of Fellows. The Board of 

 Directors, as a Council, ought, I think, to be made up by sectional repre- 

 sentation, and other slight alterations of the Constitution might be de- 

 sirable. 



Strictly speaking, there is no existing association which fairly meets 

 the requirements of a National Federation of local Academies, nor can 

 this want be satisfied until these bodies have become adjusted to a common 

 pattern. But it has seemed to me that the Carnegie Institution, recently 

 established at Washington, might well undertake Some missionary work 

 in this direction. ■ 



We have, iirst, a goodly fellowship of scientists who are esteemed 

 members of National Technical Societies or qualified for such relation- 

 ship by their published work ; and, secondly, a larger number of persons 

 occupied with business pursuits, whp are deeply interested in the results 

 of pure research and glad to lend their aid towards the advancement of 

 science by the maintenance of this society. 



Now I realize keenly that the honor conferred upon me, highly as 

 I esteem it at your hands, is weighted down with added responsibility aris- 

 ing from this complex. There can be no question that the policy of 

 this combination is correct. And certainly there is no intention hert to 

 contravene it. But it is well for us to confront the situation fairly and 

 to clearly ascertain what limitations and what obligations are thereby 

 imposed. 



In the first place, we cannot expect to enlist and retain professional 

 workers unless some salutary supervision be given to prevent the use of 

 the prestige of the Academy for selfish ends, and for the restriction of 

 communications to topics germane to the wide enough scope of the or- 

 ganization. On the other hand, the support and encouragement needed 



