422 
PROCEEDINGS OF 
attempts had proved fruitless. Perhaps too much was expected at a time when our 
learned men were unprepared for co-operation in such extended plans. But the 
idea had found favor, and it may be affirmed justly that we owe, in no small degree, 
to the system of State Geological Surveys, the present improved prospect of accom¬ 
plishing a noble and long cherished object. 
Under these circumstances, about three years ago, some of the gentlemen en¬ 
gaged in the New York Survey, (the fruits of which are already beginning to 
appear in published volumes, reflecting honor upon the liberality of the State, and 
credit upon the abilities of those who have been engaged in that great enterprise,) 
proposed to bring about the object by a different method; circulars were sent by 
them to geologists of other State surveys, and a meeting was held in Philadelphia, 
in 1840. This meeting was respectable, and resulted in the formation of the 
“Association of American Geologists.” It adjourned and met again in Philadel¬ 
phia in 1841. At the second meeting it was deemed expedient to adopt the foreign 
plan of changing the place of meeting. Boston was chosen as the place for the 
third meeting; at which its objects were extended, and the Association became the 
“Association of American Geologists and Naturalists.” The fourth meeting is to 
be held in Albany, during the month of April, 1843. 
The proceedings of this Association had been witnessed by the National Insti¬ 
tute with feelings of deep interest; and, in 1841, a formal invitation was sent from 
the latter to the former, requesting them to make Washington the place of one of 
the annual meetings. The invitation was promptly accepted, and it has been deci¬ 
ded that the fifth meeting of the “Association of American Geologists and Na¬ 
turalists” is to be held in Washington in the month of April, 1844. 
The disadvantages and inconvenience of two meetings, have, after mature reflec¬ 
tion, appeared to the committee so obvious, that they have thought it best to fix the 
first Monday of April, 1844, as the period for the general meeting; and they take 
this occasion and mode of respectfully inviting to Washington, in the name of the 
National Institute, the members of the American Philosophical Society, the oldest 
scientific institution of our country, the members of the Association of American 
Geologists and Naturalists, and the members of all other scientific and learned 
societies in the United States; the honorary and corresponding members and 
patrons of the Institute, and all others engaged and concerned in the “increase 
and diffusion of knowledge among men.” 
The plan of operations will be left entirely to those who may be present on the 
occasion. The Institute and the committee, without attempting to control them in 
any manner, charge themselves with the duties of making every preparation in their 
power adapted to facilitate the scientific objects, the promotion of which such a 
body may be supposed to cherish. 
JOHN C. SPENCER, Chairman of Committee. 
THIRD CIRCULAR. 
Washington, March 5, 1844. 
To the Friends and Correspondents of the National Institute; the Presidents and 
Officers of Colleges and Universities; the Members of Scientific and Literary So¬ 
cieties of the United States, fyc., #c., tyc. 
The subscribers take pleasure in announcing that arrangements are made for the 
first annual meeting of the National Institute. It will be held at Washington on 
the first Monday of April. In issuing this invitation, the committee are unwilling 
