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I have been interested in reading the address of the late Prof. 
Joseph Henry, the great scientist, in the speech that he delivered 
on the occasion of the laying of the corner stone of the first 
building in 1874. I wish that a copy of that address could be 
placed in the hands of every lover of natural history and science 
in this city. Strange to say, that although years have elapsed 
since that address was made, and perhaps forgotten by many, 
what he predicted these Museums should or ought to do, in a 
great measure has been done. I have also been interested in 
reading the remarks made by Prof. Marsh, of the Yale University, 
on the same occasion. That which he said was necessary to be 
done, in order to make a great Museum is now in process of 
development, and I may say with fair success thus far. I quote 
from the words used by Prof. Marsh, on December 2 2d, 1877 : 
" There is yet a more important reason for making this institution a centre 
" for original research. The science of to-day stands face to face with great 
" problems. The antiquity of man, the origin of the human race, and even 
" the origin of life itself, are among the questions which the present day submits 
' ' to science, and to which it demands an answer. If these problems are to be 
" solved by science, America must do her full share of the work, for the mate- 
" rials are here. In all that pertains to ancient life, the Western Continent 
" possesses countless treasures unknown in other lands ; these, as I believe, are 
' ' to unlock many mysteries in Biology, and render important aid toward the 
" solution of the pro founder questions I have named. American science can 
" thus repay its debt to the Old World where science began, and gathering new 
" facts from broader and richer fields within her own borders, carry forward 
" with the vigor and enthusiasm of youth the never ending search for truth. 
"If the American Museum of Natural History, opened to-day under such 
' ' favorable auspices, does not take a prominent part in this great work, it will 
' ' not do justice to its founders, or to its opportunities. But with such a f oun- 
' ' dation as we have here, and such resources as wait to unfold their secrets 
" within walls yet to be reared on this commanding site, I venture to predict 
" for natural science in America greater triumphs than have hitherto been won 
" in any land." 
Looking back in the light therefore of history, I cannot but 
congratulate the Trustees and the city that we almost unawares 
have thus far succeeded in carrying out the wise counsel and 
judicious advice given to us as thus set forth. 
We have great treasures stored within these walls. Take the 
Department of Geology, of which Prof. Whitfield is Curator ; the 
