460 
PROCEEDINGS, &C. 
intentions, and as instigated by feelings in themselves springing from sympathies 
which make the votaries of science a brotherhood in all nations. May I go a step 
farther and add, that the last occasion on which it was my grateful privilege to 
minglo in the atmosphere of that illustrious body, in whose presiding chair have 
been a Newton and a Davy, where also princes of the blood have been proud to 
sit, was over the festive board, at one of its accustomed assemblages for purposes 
merely social. The “feast of reason” was blended with the social flow ; and then 
was manifested especial cordiality for the beneficial use of this munificent legacy in 
the new sphere of its destination. 
If the recollection of such scenes, with many more kindred to them, bearing 
upon this noble fund while in course of recovery, be insufficient to raise in others 
anxious wishes for its application, without more delay, as the donor desired and en¬ 
joined, I hope that it may go some way towards accounting for their existence in 
me, and excusing the strong expression of them upon which I have ventured; not 
stronger, however, than I sincerely believe to be due to sacred considerations of 
public faith, and to the dearest interests of the human mind. 
RICHARD RUSH. 
Sydenham, near Philadelphia, March 28, 1844„ 
v 
. i . 
