10 
or sculptured forms in marble. To thousands the cultivation 
of the fine arts is lucrative. Original scientific research rarely 
brings pecuniary profit. But, as has been well said, “the re¬ 
ward of the discoverer in natural science is, in all contingen- 
cies, great. To stand as it were between God and man, in the 
laboratory, the mine, the study, anywhere, and feel that within 
the few by-past minutes there has stolen into his mind what has 
hitherto been known to God alone, to reflect further On the 
many born and unborn who are to take this truth into their 
bosoms as a part of their sense of that primal mystery, is a 
privilege so high, and a pleasure so overwhelming as to sink in 
utter insignificance, not only the toils of research, but all the 
emanations of jealousy and prejudice, which so often attend the 
first coming of truths before the world.” 
It should not be forgotten that extensive collections of natu¬ 
ral objects, a library and a well-furnished laboratory are indis¬ 
pensable implements to those engaged in original research. 
Besides serving the purposes of science a vast museum, such as 
that belonging to this institution, is, at the same time, a continu¬ 
ous source of popular enjoyment and instruction, and therefore 
a centre which is attractive to people far and near, and may often 
serve to divert young men from various sensual and expensive 
amusements prejudicial both to health and morality, to which 
very many are unfortunately allured in every large city, for lack 
of interest in any rational or profitable method of passing their 
leisure hours. Even if no better reason could be assigned, it 
ought to be sufficient claim on the liberality of our fellow citi¬ 
zens that all children who visit and examine the contents of 
such a museum find pleasure which is salutary in every sense. 
Natural science is now recognized to be an essential part of 
liberal education. On this account, as well as for the sake of 
children, a natural history museum should be established and 
maintained in this and every other great city of our country. 
The appeal we are making will be heard only by the intelli¬ 
gent and thoughtful, and be answered only by the public spirited 
and generous, for 
“Gladdest of all is he who gives, 
Discovering that his gift has grace.” 
