PROCEEDINGS, &c. 
FIRST CIRCULAR, 
Respecting meetings of scientific and literary men in the United States , 
Washington, October 15, 1842. 
Sir : We have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of certain proceedings of 
the National Institute, [see third bulletin, page 332, et seq.] at meetings held in this 
city, in the months of June, August, and September last.. We would invite your 
attention particularly to that portion of those proceedings which contemplates 
meetings of the scientific men of our country at the seat of the General Govern¬ 
ment, under the auspices of the Institute. It has appeared to us that in no other 
way could the intelligence, science, and practical observations of our countrymen 
in the different parts of the United States, be so easily collected as by the- rao-de 
proposed. Many gentlemen of science will be drawn to this place by their busi¬ 
ness, and to others, the additional inducement of an opportunity to witness the 
deliberations of Congress, will increase the probability of a general attendance. 
It is certainly desirable that assemblages for the purpose contemplated should be 
as general as possible, so as to combine the representation of science from every 
section of our land. We may not compete with the British Association, which 
has already achieved so much good, in the extent and depth of scientific researches; 
but it is believed that discoveries in nature and improvements in the arts are con¬ 
stantly made in the United States, which remain unknown or unappreciated for 
the want of some medium by which a knowledge of them can be more generally 
diffused. 
The object of the present note is rather to obtain preliminary views and infor¬ 
mation in regard to the time and mode for convening the first meeting, and the 
probability of success in the effort. The last Monday in November next has been 
suggested as a convenient time for the first meeting. Will you have the goodness 
to communicate your views on these subjects to the chairman of the Committee, 
to whom the matter has been entrusted, as soon as may suit your convenience. 
Very respectfully, your obedient servants, 
J. C. SPENCER, Chairman , 
WM. C. PRESTON, 
LEWIS F. LINN, 
JOSEPH R. INGERSOLL, 
ABBOT LAWRENCE, 
Committee . 
The following persons are the existing officers of the Institute: 
Honorable JOEL R. POINSETT, President , 
PETER FORCE, Vice President. 
W. J. STONE, Treasurer. 
F. MARKOE, Jr., Corresponding Secretary. 
G, R. BARRY, Recording Secretary. 
