92 
PROCEEDINGS OF 
[July ? 
You see that I avail myself of my privilege of membership, by throwing in my 
suggestions, valeant quantum. But privileges must not be abused. I have said 
enough to convince you, if you should need to be convinced, that the Institution is 
the frequent subject of my thoughts, I might even say of my waking dreams; for, 
when I give full scope to my imagination, and with the aid of a fancied telescope 
I try to pierce through the clouds that conceal futurity from us, I see a dazzling 
prospect which I shall not attempt to describe, but which I fondly hope will be re- 
alized. 
I am exceedingly obliged to you for your last communication, which contains 
interesting details of the progress of the Institution, from which I indulge the 
greatest hopes of its success. You will do me the greatest pleasure by continuing 
the same favor, for no one can feel more interested than I do in that most important 
subject, on which»the future glory of our country in a great measure depends. 
My sight is much as it was when you left me. I made an effort to write you a 
few lines with my own hand, but that effort cannot easily be renewed. You see I 
am now obliged to use the hand of a friend, who is kind enough to lend me his as¬ 
sistance. The infirmities of age cannot abate my zeal for the advancement of 
science in our beloved country. 
I am, with great regard and esteem, your friend and obedient servant, 
PETER S. DU PONCEAU. 
The Committee on the Library reported that the books were ar¬ 
ranged, and submitted their Catalogue. 
Stated Meeting , July 12, 1841. 
Present, forty-six Members. 
Peter Force, Vice President, in the Chair. 
'The following donations were received : 
For the Cabinet. 
Box of specimens of Calcareous Concretion from Anastasia Island, St. 
Augustine, Florida .—From Lieutenant Benham , V. S. Engineer 
Corps. 
Two antique Roman Sepulchral Lamps .—From Mr. Serruys, Charge 
d’Affaires of Belgium. 
Box of native Insects .—From M.. McClery. 
Scarlet Ibis, (I6w rubra.)—From McClintock Young. 
Hygrometer for showing approaching changes in the weather, with a 
description of the instrument.—From J. F. Callan. 
