Putnam. |] 334 * (January 7, 
He also stated that a study of this ancient pottery, with ~ 
these principles of conventionalism borne in mind, would not 
only place some of these ancient American nations in a much higher 
artistic period than formerly supposed, but would also lead to 
understanding many of the singular ornaments on the ancient 
vessels, many of which, without this knowledge of the existence of 
realistic and conventional art, would be looked upon as crude and 
meaningless attempts at ornament, whereas, as he showed by several 
series of specimens, the simple knobs arranged symmetrically about a 
pot or water bottle, were instances of pure conventionalism from 
realistic forms, and prove that a comparatively high attainment in the 
decorative art had been reached. 
A proper and careful study of the principles involved by this inter- 
pretation of the artistic development of the ceramic art in America, 
he thought, would in time furnish means of making comparisons in 
regard to the probable connection of one ancient American nation 
with another, and also an understanding of many of the singular 
resemblances between widely separated peoples. Still, he said, the 
whole subject was yet in its infancy, and the connection of one 
ancient people with another in America, can at present only be sug- 
gested from very unsatisfactory data. 
Remarks were made on the subject by Messrs. Scudder, 
Hyatt, and Austin. 
The petition for the formation of a Section of Microscopy 
presented at the last meeting, was read a second time, in ac- 
cordance with the By-Laws, and received the final assent of 
the Corporate Members present. 
General Meeting. January 7, 1880. 
The President, Mr. T. T. Bouvé, in the chair. Sixty 
persons present. 
The following gentlemen were elected Associate Members : 
Messrs. Charles H. Osgood, D.D.S., of Newton, and Jas. R. 
Nichols, M.D., of Haverhill, Alfred F. Holt, M.D., Frederic 
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