42 
make himself master of his subject, else he is certain to find that he occupies n® 
very enviable position. 
These associations enable scientific men to approach the Government with 
confidence; and scarcely a meeting is held in which some project is not submitted 
to Ministers; and recommendations from such a source are always received with 
great respect and attention, and arc generally adopted. Most of the recent scien¬ 
tific expeditions and experiments instituted by order of the Government maybe 
traced to this origin. 
Another advantage resulting from these meetings is the good feeling cultivated 
among philosophers by social intercourse. They are thus brought frequently 
together, and not only compare opinions, interchange views, and communicate 
discoveries and experiments, but the asperities which unhappily so often arise 
among eminent men, rivals in the same course of ambition, are softened down 
or entirely repressed. It is to these meetings, also, that practical men resort for 
the purpose of obtaining correct scientific information. And show-rooms are fitted 
up, in which are deposited ingenious machines, highly-finished fabrics, and models 
of new inventions in the arts and sciences. 
I have been thus particular, under the belief that some useful hints may be com¬ 
municated for the future guidance of our National Institution, for the honor and 
prosperity of which I feel the deepest interest. 
At the last meeting it was suggested that a general congress of savans should 
be annually assembled from all parts of the civilized world, and that the illustrious 
Humboldt be requested to act as its first President. This grand idea was favora¬ 
bly received, but not definitively acted on, but will doubtless be carried into effect 
in a few years. If it should be, it is to be hoped that our country will not be 
backward in lending its aid to ! so noble a project, and may be fully and ably 
represented at its first meeting. I cannot refrain from indulging the hope 
that I may live to see such a congress hold its session in Washington, New York, 
or some one or other of our large and wealthy cities, where the requisite accom¬ 
modations could be extended to such a body. 
Very truly, yours, 
GEORGE. W. HUGHES, 
Capt. Top. Engs, and Member Nat. Inst. 
Stated, Meeting , February 8th, 1841. 
z Present, thirty-six members. 
Hon. Joel R. Poinsett in the Chair. 
The following donations were received : 
An original bust of Hon. Joel R. Poinsett .—>From Ferdinand, 
Pettrich , Sculptor. 
