The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-02-02

inc mems, commensurate WIN THO spun VI
the age, and dignity, honor, and wants Of the
American people.
We beg to call the attention of our readers
and especially of those of them to whose
hands the destiny of this future institution is
committed, to the following suggestions,
which present the matter in a light probably
new to most readers, and yet, as il seems to
us, according with the idea which must have
possessed the mind of the testator in making
the bequest. 1t does seem, at any rate, to be
plan well calculated to accomplish the in
crease and diffusion Of knowledge among
men," and originates with scholar who has
acquired ample experience, by being a long
time the head of one of the first literary insti-
tutions in New England.
FOR THE MADsoNAN.
Smithsonian " Institution for the Diffusion Of
Knowledge among Mankind.
From the joint committee on this subject learned
and satisfactory Report may be expected after suf-
cient delberation. In the mean time the project of
such an institution is properly affair ofpubic dis
cussion. The whole community is interested in the
plan and they, who have been much conversant
with seminaries of learning or who have reflected
much on this subject have a right to speak.
What ought to be the character of the proposed
Institution How should ii be construoted7 What
should be the form of its chartered existence7 In
what methods and by what instruments should 1t ope-
rate2 What are the kinds of knowledge, which it
should aim to difuse widely in the world These
are the questions which are to be anxiously consi-
dered
lake il for granted, that an Institution for the
Diffusion of knowledge among Mankind, is not to
be what is usually called College is not to be Sc
minary for teaching young men the ancient and mo-
dern languages and the elements of science; is not
TO be an academy for the training of boys Nor is it
to be school of invention, where ingenious men
shall be maintained, while they shall make inroads
into the unexplored, unconquered fields of science
and literature 1t is not to be a1orkshop for the
nufacturer, but rather great commercial establish
ment for the collection and diffusion of articles in
comparaby more valuable than the cottons and silks
of commerce.
II knowledge is to be difused among men, GER
tainly it should be the knowledge which will be use
full to men. Lord BACON, in his preface to his In
stauratio Magma says" We would admonsh all
to consider the true ends of knowledge, and not TO
seek itor the qualification ofther minds or for dis
puation, or that they may despise Others or for
lument, or fame, or power such low objects, but
for its intrinsic merit and the purposes of life, and
that they would perfect and regulate ii by charity
In his" Advancement of Learning he also remarks,
that knowledge should be ga rich store house for the
glory ofthe Creator and the relief of mans
1t should nobe Gas couttezan, for pleasure and va
nifty only, or as bondwoman, to acquire and gain.
to her masters use; but as spouse for generation,
fruit, and comfort" If the value of knowledge is to
be estimated by its relation to the glory Of the Gre
ator and the relief of mans estate, and its enabling
him to accomplish the purposes of life )" then it is
evident, that there are many kinds of knowledge,
which ought not to come within the scope Of the pro-
posed Institution. There are sciences, there are
learned pursuits which learned men may hold in
high esteem, and which may acquire fame but
whose value if estimated by the true ends of know
ledge, will be found TO be just nothing at ALL There
are also sciences of real value, but which, being
durable only by few powerful minds, cannot be
included within the kinds of knowledge, which can
be dif'used generally among mankind.
But l cannot go into a detail of the useless
sciences and literary pursuits propose to be BRIEF
remembering myself and wishing some of our pub
lie orators would remember, that :" what is empty
is generally vast, while what is solid is in small
compass" proceed directly TO what have in
| view. &c.,.
l. There must be an Institution" an incorpora-
ton, an organized body of Managers, or Governors.
If this should be small company, it would be so
much the better; nor need the corporate members
be all residents in the District of Columbia, for a
part of them might be such from the office sustained,
whether in the Cabinet, or Congress- or in the
courts. This body must be intrusted with the cleo
| and IF Ihn the
| government of the Institution.
| O. There must be a President and large body
ofprofessors in all the different departments of use
full knowledge. .
g. There must be suitable buildings for lectures,
and for the domcs for the Professors; ALSO for the
press, the grand Improvement for the diffusion of
| knowledge.
A. For the internal government of the Institution,
the Professors may be arranged in few departments
and all business relating to a particular department
should be committed to the President and the Pro
fessors of that department. 10 be called the Faculty,
or Council, of that department Meeting on differ
evenings the head of the Institution would pre-
side at all the councils.
s. The Professors may engage in four fields of
labor first, the delivery of short course of lee
lures, serving in degree to diffuse knowledge
but being more important as Strengthening their in
tellectual powers, and giving them command oftheir
knowledge; secondly, the preparing of original
works for publications thirdly the selection of books
and tracts for republication fourthy the editing by
departments, of a weekly paper, to circulate most
widely.
g. The arrangement of the different Professor
ships must be affected by the of the Ins-
tuition; for the division of labor can be carried an
indefinite extent.
The following project is presented for considera,
ton. A more logical and extended could easily
be offered, and this may readily be abridged.
Let there be six departments and twenty-four pro-
fessorships.
l. Department, PHILOSOPHY.
| l. Professor of Astronomy
9 Mathematics