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ful progress of science over the whole Union. Our navy yards and 
docks, as well as our armories and arsenals, are also full of its triumphs 
through this kind of public encouragement; and not only have the de- 
fences of the country been thus strengthened, but commercial intercourse 
every where increased, in speed, cheapness, and security. 
Similar, in its public favor towards this subject, has been the establish- 
ment of the grand repository of the inventions of the nation — the Patent 
Office. Through patents and copyrights, authorized by the constitution 
expressly “ to promote the progress of science and the useful arts,” we 
hold out that reward to scientific improvements, which not only enriches 
many of their authors, but promotes at the same moment the interests 
both of the government and the people, and tends to advance science 
itself, no less than elevate our common character to a higher standard 
among the great family of nations. 
Inspired by like views, the instruction given b}r government to 
youthful officers in the navy and army, has long been bestowed with 
great liberality and advantage; and though the systems are, in some 
respects, exceptionable, yet, by the suitable libraries purchased, the phi- 
losophical instruments furnished, and the severe sciences taught, the 
professional mind has been elevated, so as often to reflect back in repu- 
tation to the country, and usefulness to its establishments — an ample 
compensation for every thing expended. 
In few other things has greater benefit been secured through science, by 
means of public patronage, than in the survey of our coast and lakes, 
now in progress ; and in the present system of testing and rating chro- 
nometers, and correcting charts, all so vital to the safety of our ships of 
war and their gallant crews, as well as the whole mercantile marine. 
These last duties have for several years been pursued in this city with 
improving success, till, at last, government has completed a public depot 
of scientific instruments, connected with astronomical observations for 
nautical purposes, that bids fair, in time, to become worthy the destinies 
of a great naval and commercial people. 
Under a similar impulse, and with many advantages, has science of 
various kinds been used by the public authorities, and at the public ex- 
pense, in the recent Exploring Expedition. Among other fruits from it, 
doubtful latitudes in distant seas have been fixed ; dangerous reefs and 
islands surveyed with more accuracy; errors in charts corrected; and, at 
the same time, it has assisted to bring home rare plants, and animals, and 
minerals ; sounded new currents of the ocean, and noted the revolutions 
