FOUNDING OF THE COSMOS CLUB 
Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. 
November 18, 1878. 
To Mr. Holmes 
My dear Sir: 
At an informal meeting of gentlemen, 
held at the house of Major J. W. Powell, (No. 910 M Street) 
on November 16th, it was resolved to organize a Social 
Club in Washington, on the models of the Century Club of 
New York, and the Scientific Club of London, to be called 
the Scientific Club of Washington, and to be composed of 
"men devoted to or interested in Science, prof ess ionally 
or otherwise.” It is conceived that such an organiza- 
tion for purely social purposes is necessary in this city. 
It is intended to procure club rooms in some central part 
of the city, which are to be open during the afternoon 
and evening only; to form a library of periodicals; to 
provide only extremely simple refreshments, at least at 
first, and, in general, to make a place where it will be 
possible for the members of the Club to meet socially at 
any time under pleasant surroundings. 
It is estimated that a very small ad- 
mission fee, (yet undetermined,) and an annual fee of not 
more than ten dollars will enable us to do this, if the 
Club can be organized with sixty members to begin with. 
At the meeting referred to, your name 
was proposed as one of the original sixty members, and 
(if you were not there present) you will be called upon 
by one of the members to invite your presence at a second 
meeting, at the same place, on Monday night, November 25th, 
at 8 P,. M. It is hoped that you will be ready to join 
us, at least for the year 1879, in order that the experi- 
ment may have a fair trial; and if you are willing to do 
this, be pleased to drop a line to the Secretary. 
Very sincerely yours, 
J. W. POWELL, President . 
SD?/ARD S. HOLDEN, Secretary. 
