creation of the National Observatory in Washington was 

 recommended by the Institute and ultimately became a 

 reality. 



Other papers presented before the Institute covered such 

 varied topics as botany, physics, mechanics, and the cur- 

 rency. It was intended that they be published in a single 

 volume, but there never were sufficient funds to realize that 

 goal. 30 



Collection of Objects 



The Columbian Institute also actively sought contributions 

 for its museum. In accordance with its objectives, the Insti- 

 tute was able to acquire a collection of mineral, zoological, 

 and archeological specimens, as well as several other pos- 

 sessions of historical interest. Among the Institute's most 

 interesting acquisitions were the regimentals worn by 

 George Washington while Commander-in-Chief of the 

 American Army during the Revolutionary War. Next to the 

 Botanic Garden, however, the Institute's mineral collection 

 was its most important asset. It included ores, rocks, and 

 several different kinds of building stones. 31 



REASONS FOR THE INSTITUTE'S FAILURE 



The Columbian Institute for the Promotion of Arts and 

 Sciences disbanded in 1837 and formally went out of 

 existence four years later. The limited success and short life 

 span of the Institute can be attributed, in large measure, to 

 its lack of financial support. It was forced to rely entirely 

 on the revenue collected through membership dues and 

 other small, rather insignificant, contributions. 



As one of Washington's first learned societies, the 

 Institute attracted some of the Nation's most prominent 

 citizens. Numbered among its membership were three in- 

 cumbent Presidents: James Monroe, who accepted the title 

 of Patron of the Institute; and John Quincy Adams and 

 Andrew Jackson, who were resident members while in the 

 White House. Former Presidents John Adams, Thomas 

 Jefferson, and James Madison were extended honorary 

 membership. 



30 Rathbun, The Columbian Institute, p. 36. 



31 Ibid., pp. 54-58. 



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