JOACHIM ELMEXUOKF. t 



progressive, had been demonstrated. Teachers of the 

 natural sciences, whose eminence had shed luster upon 

 the educational institutions with which they had been 

 connected, were of us, and were known to be ready to 

 contribute freely of the rich treasures of their mental 

 acquisitions. Art too, had its representatives here, 

 whose merited repute and known public spirit easily 

 suggested a distinct department for the promotion of its 

 interests, and the exemplification of its principles of 

 beauty and truth. And the large pecuniary means, in- 

 dispensable to the undertaking, were marvelously wait 

 ing for princely bestowment, in the hands of those who, 

 with full appreciation of its glory and beneficence, would 

 follow the example of an illustrious kindred, and farther 

 create and link the honored name — Vassar — with the 

 best facilities for the cultivation and triumphs of mind. 



So the idea rapidly became a realization, and Pough- 

 keepsie was enriched with an Institute that merits our 

 warmest gratitude, and may properly stir our best pride. 



But possessions that are easily gained are not always 

 valued at their full worth. 



Few, surely, fail to appreciate the great addition to 

 our public buildings, which the costly and elegant struc- 

 ture in which we are gathered makes, or in a general 

 way, the proof it furnishes of a superior and influential 

 intellectuality. But whether the important ends which 

 it was designed to subserve shall be effected, depends 

 upon several things, which ought to be understood and 

 kept in mind. 



The declared objects of Vassar Brothers Institute " are 

 to promote education and useful knowledge in the de- 

 partments of science, literature, and art, by investi- 

 gating and discussing subjects appertaining thereto, and 

 by establishing and maintaining a museum, a library, 

 and a collection of works of art and objects of historic 

 interest in furtherance of such objects." These objects. 



