THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 123 



(3.) Solution of experimental problems, such as a new determination 

 of the weight of the earth, of the velocity of electricity and of light ; 

 chemical analyses of soils and plants; collection and publication of 

 articles of science, accumulated in the offices of government. 



(4.) Institution of statistical inquiries with reference to physical, 

 moral, and political subjects. 



(5.) Historical researches, and accurate surveys of places celebrated 

 in American history. 



(6.) Ethnological researches, particularly with reference to the dif- 

 ferent races of men in North America ; also, explorations and accurate 

 surveys of the mounds and other remains of the ancient people of our 

 country. 



DETAILS OF THE PLAN FOR DIFFUSING KNOWLEDGE. 



I. By the publication of a series of reports, giving an account of the new 

 discoveries in science, and of the changes made from year to year in all 

 branches of knowledge not strictly professional. 



1. These reports will diffuse a kind of knowledge generally interest- 

 ing, but which, at present, is inaccessible to the public. Some of the 

 reports may be published annually, others at longer intervals, as the 

 income of the Institution, or the changes in the branches of knowledge, 

 may indicate. 



2. The reports are to be prepared by collaborators eminent in the 

 different branches of knowledge. 



3. Each collaborator to be furnished with the journals and publica- 

 tions, domestic and foreign, necessary to the compilation of his report ; 

 to be paid a certain sum for his labors, and to be named on the title- 

 page of the report. 



4. The reports to be published in separate parts, so that persons 

 interested in a particular branch can procure the parts relating to it 

 without purchasing the whole. 



5. These reports may be presented to Congress for partial distribu-' 

 tion ; the remaining copies to be given to literary and scientific institu- 

 tions, and sold to individuals for a moderate price. 



The following are some of the subjects which may be embraced in the reports: 



I. PHYSICAL CLASS. 



1. Physics, including astronomy, natural philosophy, chemistry, and 

 meteorology. 



2. Natural history, including botany, zoology, geology, &c. 



3. Agriculture. 



4. Application of science to aits. 



II. MORAL AND POLITICAL CLASS. 



5. Ethnology, including particular history, comparative philology, 

 antiquities, &c. 



