this afternoon. Many of our guests today are frequent students of the 

 Museum's collections, frequent readers of the Museum's publications 

 and frequent users of the Museum's library. 



" But it is the effort to fulfill the terms of the second paragraph of the 

 Articles of Incorporation — the paragraph that refers to the encour- 

 agement and development of the Study of the Natural Sciences, that 

 provides for the aggressive invasion of the unknown and for the 

 encouragement of those who enter the unknown for search and re- 

 search — it is the effort to fulfill these terms that has characterized 

 the administration of this institution and made it something different 

 from a mere museum. 



"The prime incentive for the pursuit of science is doubtless indis- 

 coverably hidden among those forces that direct the growth and activities 

 of the human body, but the strongest secondary incentive is appreciation 

 — commendation. An institution that is pledged to the encouragement 

 and development of the natural sciences ought certainly to appreciate 

 and commend those who have conspicuously devoted themselves to the 

 pursuit of science. It is in response to this feeling of obligation and 

 with the hope that such recognition at this time might act as a helpful 

 incentive to those attending the important scientific meetings now being 

 held in New York, that these exercises have been arranged. 



" In an adjoining hall, as we leave this auditorium, we shall find 

 unveiled ten portraits of the pioneers of American science, the work of 

 one of America's leading sculptors, Mr. William Couper. 



" It is this series of busts that I have the honor, on behalf of Mr. 

 Morris K. Jesup, to present to the Trustees for permanent exhibition in 

 this Museum, and with it may I convey the desire that they may serve as 

 a token of the donor's esteem for all who have devoted and are devoting 

 themselves to the development of science, and also that all entering this 

 institution may feel that the study of the natural sciences is encouraged 

 and developed, not by immediate results alone, but also in the proper 

 recognition of those who have unselfishly labored for its advancement." 



In accepting the gift, Hon. Joseph H. Choate said in behalf of the 

 Board of Trustees: 



"As you have already heard, it is only in my accidental capacity 

 of survivor that I have the honor of appearing here today to receive 

 this gift. Mr. Morgan could not come, Mr. Jesup could not accept 



