46:2 
PROCEEDINGS OF 
At a subsequent stated meeting of the National institute, a resolu¬ 
tion was passed, requesting the committee, of which Mr. Spencer 
was chairman, to make a report of the proceedings of the Scientific 
Convention; and likewise to lay before the Institute all the papers and 
communications submitted on the occasion, with a view to publica¬ 
tion. Whereupon, the chairman made the following report, instruct¬ 
ing the Corresponding Secretary, at the same time, to submit all the 
papers referred to in the resolution: 
REPORT. 
The committee, originally appointed on the 13th of June, 1842, by the National 
Institute, in which vacancies were supplied, and to whose number additions were 
made in February, 1843, and who were charged with the duty of issuing invita¬ 
tions in the name of the Institute, and making all necessary arrangements for a 
meeting of the learned men of our country, at the seat of Government, Report: 
In furtherance of the plan of the Institute, a preliminary circular was issued by 
the committee, on the 15th of October, 1842, addressed to known literary and 
scientific gentlemen in different parts of the United States, transmitting a copy of 
the proceedings of the Institute of the 13th of June, 1842, and inviting a commu¬ 
nication of views in relation to the proposed meeting. The sentiment in its favor 
appeared from the answers received to be so general, that the committee felt them¬ 
selves justified in naming a day for the assemblage. They selected the first Mon¬ 
day in April, in the year 1844, for that purpose, and issued a circular on the 24th 
of February, 1843, inviting the members of the learned and scientific societies in 
the United States, the honorary and corresponding members, friends and patrons of 
the Institute, and all others engaged in the increase and diffusion of knowledge 
among men, to meet at the city of Washington, on that day. 
On the day appointed, a very respectable meeting was held at the Presbyterian 
church, on 4| street, in this city. At the request of the committee, the President 
of the United States commenced with a brief address, and presided. The Hon. R„ 
J. Walker, a member of the Senate of the United States, from the State of 
Mississippi, delivered an opening address. 
Meetings were held, from day to day, until and including Monday, the 8th day 
of April, when they were terminated by an address from the chairman of your 
committee. At these meetings addresses and lectures were delivered and read on 
various interesting subjects, and usually to very respectable and attentive audiences. 
They were regularly attended by the Corresponding Secretary of the Institute, 
Francis Markoe, Jr., Esq., who kept notes of the papers read, and of the ad¬ 
dresses delivered. 
A large sub-committee was formed, consisting of the most distinguished citizens 
and residents in Washington, to make the necessary arrangements for the accom¬ 
modation of the literary and scientific gentlemen who came here, and for the hold- 
ing of the meetings. By this activity every thing was provided which the occa¬ 
sion demanded, and our guests were highly gratified with their reception and the 
attentions they received. Nothing but a desire to avoid giving offence, prevents our 
naming the gentlemen who were most active and useful in this hospitable service. 
