Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1833-09-19
SCIENCE AND LITnnArUnE
CIRCULAR.
.RicHMoxp, JUNE, is33.

! SIR The Virginia Historical and Ph;lo-
soPhiesl Society" by n resolution adopted on
the 4th OF February last, requested the under
] signcd TO address joint circular letter TO all
individuals within this State, rs would be like
ly 10 contribute their aid in advan-i Ing the Sc
Veral objects FOR which the society Was form
ed. Those objects, n expressed in the Sc
eond article of the constitution, are.-to dis
cover, procure, and preserve whatever NAV
relate to the natural, civil, and literary his
tory OF this State, and TO patronisc and nd
vance all those sciences which have direct
tendency 10 promote the best interests of our
citizens. Believing that you desire no higher
'nducement than the satisfaction Of rendering
some service 10 our ancient commonwealth,
by assisting 10 deyelope her ample and vari-
Gus resources, we respectfully invite your
friendly cooperation; and we particularly
ask yo1r attention 10 tho following items.
which embrace hearty all the heads Of infor-
nation upon which contributions arc desired
by the soc iety.
!. We request the transmission Of all books.
pamphlets, records, aud manuscripts, relative
to the first settlement or subsequent history
oil the state }; magazines, newspapers, and
other periodical publications, especially such
rs appeared before or during the revolution /:
orations, sermons, discourses, essays. and
speeches, written or delivered in this state,
and calculated TO have n direct bearing on
any Important transaction or event
y. Laws, journals, or proceedings of the
House OF Burgesses,-the general assembly,
or any state convention; also, copies of trea-
ties aad negotiations between this state and
any other state or Indian tribe.
| 8. Narratives Of the rise, progress. and
present condition Of the different religious de-
/ nominations. and Of their various bene VIOLENT
and charitable societies.
! =. The transactions Of political or literary
societies; and statements OF the origin and
influence OF agricultural, manufacturing, or
commercial associations.
! 5. Statements Of the origin, progress, and
i present condition OF the University, the COL
Ieges, academies, and schools; ADD also OF
the literary fund, and the practical effect Of
: the primars school system historical sketch
es and Typographical desc riptions Of cities,
/ counties, and towns.
! 6. Narratives Of the Indian tribes,-their
I wars, battles, and exploits the nature of the
original grants 10 the first settlers OF this pro-
vince and also Of their distinctive traits of
character and peculiar customs.
! .. Biographical memoirs Of the first set
uers,-the revolutionary patriots, or persons
eminent IN the councils Of the country or in
any OF the learned professions or distin-
gushed for their bcnefcent acts aud indiVi-
dual sacrifices for the public good.
&. Communications and specimens relating
70 zoology or botany, or any other branch OF
natural history.
/ y. Facts aud essays, connected with the
geology OF the state /; also, descriptions and
drawings OF mines, mineral springs, ancient
iorhhcatlons, cayerns, mountains, rivers.
lakes, or any other natural curiosifies
iO. CbyInicai facts and spec linens ESSAYS
relating 10 any improvements in the yario;ts
arts and sciences--particularly IN agriculture:
statements ofthe effects OF the different kinds
OF manure, (viz; the vegetable, animal, and
mineral on the same OF different soils
u. Communications on the mineralogV OF
The state every description Of mineral soeci-
mems the different species Of rocks, metallic
substances ,-earths, SALTS coal formations
aud PetrifsetiOns.
IL. Essays GA natural, mental, or moral
philosophy tho philosophy Of language.-
the science OF instruction also. ON the siste
OF morais,-the climate, and
commerce Of any part Of the state
n IN his extensive range Of inquiry, there
are doubtless comprehended ono or more sub
Jeeis upon which you will End Il both eonve-
nient and agreeable 20 favor the society vilb
some important facts or speouIatious; but II
other engagements should induce YOU 10 de-
cline The task. we Deg that you viii hand tbl.
communication 10 some intelligent friend
whose leisure and inclination may prompt
arm 10 comply with our wishes. We reques,
I. mat al contributions may be sent By p,iraf,
/ eIporiHnify. aud that they may be Forwarded
~ ~ RtcHAHDsos, Eyq the librarian.
r OF 70 esther ~ tbs subscribsrs
JOHN y. CLOPTON.
Corrsspoading Ssersfayy.
JAS. 4. HEATH,
TN. RssO'ding Ssey.