1852. 217 
volumes of periodicals bound in that time, the number on our shelves at present 
exceeds 15,000. 
Nearly all the additions in the six years above referred to, have been gifts 
from individuals or Societies, or in exchange. for our own publications, very 
little money having been expended. 
The rich and costly collection which surrounds us, like that in our noble 
Museum, affording instruction and delight not to ourselves alone, but to nume- 
rous inquirers after knowledge beyond our own limits, is therefore made up 
almost entirely of spontaneous offerings, prompted by disinterested generosity 
or a love for science. Let us not lose sight of this fact; it cannot be too often 
referred to, or too strongly impressed upon us. Every means in our power should 
be employed to protect such valuable trusts from abuse and loss. ‘he plausible 
pretender to science, the inconsiderate idler and the pilferer, should find no 
encouragement within these walls. 
The present accommodations for the books have become too limited to admit 
of their proper arrangement, or of easy access to them. For the last few 
months inconvenience has been experienced to an annoying extent from some 
of the cases being crowded to excess. Many plans have been suggested with 
a view to remedy this evil, all of which, however, were of too temporary a 
character to admit of adoption. 
It is now, however, proposed to remove to the Hall above, as soon as appro- 
priate places can be prepared for them, the entire collections in Mineralogy, 
Conchology, Herpetology, &c., at present contained in the basement apartment 
adjoining the Library, and to convert the latter into a library room. ‘The area 
of this apartment is nearly equal to that now occupied for library purposes, and 
may be estimated to be sufficient to accommodate at least 10,000 additional 
volumes. The basement of the building would then, with the exception of one 
room, (which must be retained for the reception and unpacking of parcels, boxes, 
&c.,) be occupied by the library, and the great advantage gained, which has 
been so long desired, of keeping it isolated or distinct from the Museum. 
The statement above presented is in every respect gratifying, and the Society 
may be congratulated, as on every occasion like the present for the last few 
years, on the rapid and steady advancement in this department—the most 
important, perhaps, in the Institution—affording the best evidence of the favor 
in which the latter is everywhere held, and the unceasing liberality of its 
friends and supporters. The Academy of Natural Sciences may justly boast 
that in this age of progress it has not been left behind. It is, and has been, 
since its origin, with few exceptions, progressive; partly owing, doubtless, to 
its intrinsic merit, but mainly to a succession of advantageous circumstances 
operating in its favor. Its benefactors have been open-handed to an extent 
heretofore unknown in institutions of this nature in our country. The names 
of Maclure and Wilson, especially, will never be mentioned without regard and 
admiration. ‘Through their instrumentality, in a great measure, the Institution 
now rests upon a firm and solid basis; its endurance will depend not merely 
upon the intelligence, zeal and industry of those who succeed us here, but also 
upon a proper appreciation by them of the true and legitimate objects of its 
founders. No misgivings, however, need be entertained on this head. At no 
period in its history have the prospects been more encouraging than at present, 
of its high scientific reputation being fully maintained, and of its utility and 
advantages to the community being generally recognised as a great centre for 
the increase and diffusion of knowledge. 
Wm. 8. Zanrzinaer, Librarian. 
Hall of the Academy, Dec. 28, 1852. 
The Annual Report of the Treasurer was read and referred to the 
Auditors. 
