18 Dana — American Journal of Science, 1818-1918, 



local feelings nourished by our state sovereignties, and the rival 

 claims of several of our larger cities, there is evidently a predis- 

 position towards a concentration of effort, from which we may 

 hope for the happiest results, with regard to the advancement 

 of both the science and reputation of our country. 



Is it not, therefore, desirable to furnish some rallying point, 

 some object sufficiently interesting to be nurtured by common 

 efforts, and thus to become the basis of an enduring, common 

 interest? To produce these efforts, and to excite this interest, 

 nothing, perhaps, bids fairer than a Scientific Journal. 



The valuable work already accomplished by various 

 medical journals is then spoken of and particularly that 

 of the first scientific periodical in the United States, 

 Bruce 's Mineralogical Journal. This, as Silliman says 

 (1, p. 3, 1818), although "both in this country and in 

 Europe received in a very flattering manner,' ' did not 

 survive the death of its founder, and only a single vol- 

 ume of 270 pages appeared (1810-1813). * 



Silliman continues : 



No one, it is presumed, will doubt that a journal devoted to 

 science, and embracing a sphere sufficiently extensive to allure 

 to its support the principal scientific men of our country, is 

 greatly needed; if cordially supported, it will be successful, 

 and if successful, it will be a great public benefit. 



Even a failure, in so good a cause, (unless it should arise from 

 incapacity or unfaithfulness,) cannot be regarded as dishonour- 

 able. It may prove only that the attempt was premature, and 

 that our country is not yet ripe for such an undertaking; for 

 without the efficient support of talent, knowledge, and money, 

 it cannot long proceed. No editor can hope to carry forward 

 such a work without the active aid of scientific and practical 

 men; but, at the same time, the public have a right to expect 

 that he will not be sparing of his own labour, and that his work 

 shall be generally marked by the impress of his own hand. To 

 this extent the editor cheerfully acknowledges his obligations 

 to the public ; and it will be his endeavour faithfully to redeem 

 his pledge. 



Most of the periodical works of our country have been short- 

 lived. This, also, may perish in its infancy ; and if any degree 

 of confidence is cherished that it will attain a maturer age, it is 

 derived from the obvious and intrinsic importance of the under- 

 taking; from its being built upon permanent and momentous 

 national interests; from the evidence of a decided approbation 

 of the design, on the part of gentlemen of the first eminence, 

 obtained in the progress of an extensive correspondence; from 

 assurance of support, in the way of contributions, from men of 



