47 
interest than our own, as every day evinces some new fact illustrative of the 
extraordinary skill, energy, and ingenuity of our citizens—qualities in which 
they are equalled by few, and surpassed by no other people. If such be the 
case in our not very advanced state of science, what important results might not be 
anticipated with more extensive practical experiments, greater knowledge of ab¬ 
stract science, and the collection and diffusion of minute economical information 
in connexion with the useful arts 1 But I feel that it is quite unnecessary to en¬ 
large upon a subject on which so much might be said and written. 
While indulging in these patriotic sentiments, which I believe are common to 
us all, it has occurred to me that perhaps no better disposition could be made of 
the munificent bequest to the United States, by an enlightened foreigner, for the 
establishment of an institution at Washington for the ‘‘diffusion of knowledge 
among men,” than to place it under the direction of a Society which has been 
organized for the express purpose of carrying into effect similar, and indeed I may 
add, identical views with those contemplated by the philanthropical and philo¬ 
sophical testator. One among many reasons that might might be urged for this 
arrangement would be, the securing in its favor the general and perhaps univer¬ 
sal influence of scientific men, whose patriotic labors would thus be brought into 
active co-operation with the Smithsonian Institution, whose funds would enable 
the Society to collect and diffuse throughout the United States a vast amount of 
diversified and valuable information. 
With the best wishes for the success of the Institution, and assurances for your¬ 
self of high regard and consideration, I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient 
humble servant, V. MAXCY. 
A copy of a circular was read, addressed to the principal 
scientific institutions of Europe, announcing officially the es¬ 
tablishment of the National Institution, and requesting their cor¬ 
respondence. 
In consequence of a resolution introduced by the honorable 
Governeur Kemble, that each member of Congress should be 
invited to bring specimens of the natural productions of his 
district on his return to Washington, the following circular let¬ 
ter was addressed to the members by the Directors : 
Washington, February 9, 1841. 
Sir : The National Institution for the Promotion of Science and the Useful Arts, 
established at the seat of Government, is desirous of procuring specimens of the 
natural productions of every portion of the United States, and for that purpose re¬ 
spectfully asks your aid and co-operation. The district you represent doubtless 
possesses many important minerals and vegetable productions, which might prove 
of great value to the arts if they were generally made known. Specimens of such 
productions being brought to Washington will not only advance the objects of 
the institution, but will prove advantageous to the country whence they come. 
