NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 
3 
Academy to submit briefly its views in connection with the subject, and to 
ask the adoption of a measure in relation to it, which, it is hoped, will be 
entirely acceptable to a large majority of members of both institutions. 
In the language of its Charter, the Academy was instituted " for the en- 
couragement and cultivation of the Sciences," and is " devoted entirely to the 
advancement of useful learning." 
Nearly a half century has passed since its institution. Daring nearly all of 
this period, the cultivation of the natural sciences has been pursued objectively. 
It has been limited almost exclusively to the investigation of specific differ- 
ences and resemblances of forms, with a view to portraying those which are new 
and distinguishing them from those previously described, for the purpose 
of appropriately classing them. The field of cultivation includes the geographi- 
cal distribution of the fauna and flora of the earth, whether living or fossil; 
and the habits, habitat and uses of the various organisms, as well as the 
regular and irregular forms and chemical composition of inorganic matter. 
The results of the labors of the members of the Academy in this wide field, 
are recorded in its Proceedings and Journals. 
But with the lapse of time and advancement of knowledge new fields of in- 
quiry have been opened. To study natural sciences objectively only, no longer 
satisfies the disposition of man to pry into the secrets of creation. He now 
anxiously seeks to discover and expose the laws of organic life. He earn- 
estly desires to distinguish primary organic cells, and to ascertain the forces 
and laws which bring them together, and combine them in aggregate exist- 
ences, from the lowest microscopic infusoria up through the zoophytes and 
acalephs to the most perfect form of organization. He labors industriously to 
recognize the normal as well as the abnormal conditions of organic structures, 
wherever met on the face of the earth. 
The task is Herculean, and to accomplish it in any degree worthy of considera- 
tion, the laborer requires all the sympathy and facilities which only those inter- 
ested in kindred pursuits know how to accord. He needs the encouragement 
which flows from association with congenial spirits. He needs must be free 
from the disturbing influences of those who cannot or will not appreciate the 
objects of his researches. Such motives induce him to seek fellowship and 
alliance with those who are animated by a zeal analogous to his own. Hence 
it is that many members of the Academy, regarding objective natural history, 
only as the basis of the pyramid of natural science, have been drawn together; 
they have joined others entertaining like views, who are not in fellowship with 
this institution, and organized the Biological Society of Philadelphia, which is 
yet in its earliest infancy. Its chief property consists in the acquirements and 
industry and scientific zeal of its members ; qualities which we should seek to 
retain and accumulate within the walls of this Institution. 
The extensive library, and collections which are daily augmenting, are of 
inestimable value in facilitating the pursuits of the biologist. The Academy 
is pledged to assist " the advancement of useful learning" in all the depart- 
ments of the natural sciences. 
For the reasons alluded to, your Committee has labored assiduously to de- 
vise a measure consistent with the Charter and increasing prosperity of the 
Academy, which shall place all the facilities in its possession within the- easy 
reach not only of those devoted especially to biology, but also of those- who 
may hereafter dedicate their time and labors, particularly, to other branches, 
and at the same time bind together by bonds of common interest, in one har- 
monious union, all who are interested either partially or generally in the culti- 
vation of the natural sciences. 
For this purpose, and to meet the demands which labor is daily making for 
division and subdivision, in every branch of human pursuit, your Committee 
respectfully urges the addition of a chapter to the By-Laws, which shaH pro- 
vide for the creation and government of Classes or Departments, composed of 
members, with authority to hold meetings separately from the common meetings 
of the Institution, and with all the privileges necessary for the successful prosecu- 
1858.] 
