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1883.] Proceedings of Scientific Societies. 1095 
scientific subjects, such as geology, botany and mathematics, there 
were text-books by American authors which were equal to any 
foreign works, and he thought the terms of the report too sweep- 
ing. He insisted that in many departments of science there were 
excellent American text-books. [ Applause. 
Professor Mendenhall—lI think that the statement of the report 
is true, except in exceptional cases. I take it that the report does 
not mean to cover these cases. I approve of the statement. 
Maj. Powell—In several departments of a science I am ac- 
quainted with the American text-books are best. There are 
Dana’s Geology and the Geology of Le Conte of California, and 
Gray's Botany, which, in my judgment, are unequaled; and so I 
might name many other good text-books. I have looked into 
this matter the more, perhaps, because I am a member of a com- 
mittee on the introduction of science into the public schools, and 
my experience teaches me that these works which I have men- 
tioned are not to be equaled elsewhere. [Applause.] 
Professor Rowland—I agree with the statement of the commit- 
tee as far as it relates to my own department of physics, and also to 
chemistry and mathematics. The statement in these cases is en- 
tirely true. We can only raise the standard of American schol- 
arship in these departments by the introduction of foreign works. 
I know that some text-books on physics in American colleges 
are fifty years old. As a matter of policy it may be well to 
a out the statement, but as a matter of fact the statement is 
Tue. 
Gen. Cox suggested that the only matter reported for action 
by the committee was on the appointment of a committee to 
memorialize Congress, and that this discussion was not germain 
to that question, which was, “ Shall we appoint a committee to 
memorialize Congress ?” : 
aj. Powell insisted that if the report of the committee was 
adopted it would be spread in full on the records as the mind of 
© association, and would commit the association to that extreme 
Statement, : 
Dr. Gustave Heinrichs, of Iowa, moved as an amendment that 
is pretty steep.” [Laughter.] 
APERA moved as a substitute that the recommendation of 
$ committee be adopted, and the committee continued. 
member of the standing committee said that in the situation 
