The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1843-03-07

Boston,
WAsniscros, February "a, l643
10 The friends and correspondents Of Ae Naio"ai i"sss-
tufe and the Members Of Scientific asd Lsosnsd
Societies Of The United States, &c. &c. &c.
On the 18th October last a circular was addressed
to the scientific and literary Of the United States
transmitting copy Of certain proceedings OF the N
onal Institute, for the promotion Of SCIENCE and In
vitng particular attention that portion Of the pro-
cecdings which contemplated the general meeting
proposed by the Institute to be held at the seat Of
Government
This circular was, at irst attempted to be sent d.
rectly to individuals, but it found impract
cable TO address all who entitled special in
vitation. The members of the Institute, and those
who had, in various ways, most literally contributed
to the promotion of its Objects Of course ex-
pected to attend yet the difficulty of obtaining all
the aud residences Of others, eminent in the
various branches Of knowledge rendered it necessary
to resort to more general mode of etiectng the
purpose. With this view, the circular was published
in the papers of the District Of Columbia, and was
thus made general
The object of the first circular was not to fix any par
tcular time for the meeting, was it intended by
the Institute or the committee, to make Washington
the place Of all subsequent meetings, il 1t should APP
pear to be contrary to the judgment Of those who
had the right to decide upon such important ques-
ton. 1t rather TO obtain preliminary views Of
the friends Of the Institutes and general information,
as to the time and mode of converting; and, after
wards, to adopt plan and time, (Which might be
| gathered from the reple s Of those whose opinions
| III Lxu I.a.s \ - Al.
| These replies have been numerous and interesting,
and present, almost without option, decided APP
| probation Of the step that has been recommended,
as well as Of tho course Of the Institute, under the
auspices Of which that step has been begun. The
committee, after having carefully considered these
| replies, have come to the conclusion that the month
Of April, 1914, is the period which will best suit
the convenience of ALL
The committee were aware that several previous
attempts had been made TO get up similar meeting,
upon the plan of the British Association, and that
those attempts had proved frutess Perhaps
too much was expected at a time when our learned
men were unprepared for cooperation in such
| tended plans. But the idea had found favor, and il
may be affirmed justly, that owe in no small de-
gree, to the system of State Geological Surveys the
and long cherished object
Under these circumstances, about three years ago,
some of the gentlemen engaged in the New York
Survey (the fruits Of which are already beginning
to appear in published volumes rejecting honor upon
the lberality of the State, and credit upon tie sb-
ties Of those who have been engaged in that great
enterprise proposed bring about the object by
different method ;-circulars sent by them TO
Biologists Of other State Surveys, and meeting
was held in Philadelphia in ls4O This meeting was
respectable, and resulted in the formation Of the As-
ISOLATION of American Geologs,s." 1t adjourned,
and met again in Philadelphia in 1871. At the second
mi citing, it was deemed expedien to adopt the orei N
plan of changing the place of meeting Boston was
chosen the place for the third meeting at which
its objects extended, and the Association be-
came the " Association of Americ an Biologists and
Naturalists" The fourth meeting TO be held in Al
bany during the month OF April, ls43.
The proceedings of this Association had been wit
messed by the National Institute, with feelings of
deep interest and, in ls4l formal invitation was
sent from the latter 10 the former requesting them
10 make Washington the place of one Of the Annual
Meetings. The invitation was promptly accepted.
snd has been decided that the fifth meeting of the
{" Association Of American Biologists and Natural
ists," is TO be held in Washington in the month of
April, 1914.
The disadvantage and Inconvenience OF two meet
ings, have, after mature reflection, appeared to the
committee so obvious that they have thought il best TO
fix the Isl Monday Of April, lS4a as the period for
the general meeting; and they take this occasion
and mode Of respectfully inviting to Washington, in
the Of the National Institute, the members Of
the American Philosophical Society the Oldest scep
thc institution of country, the members Of the
Association Of American Geologists and Na,Iralis,s
and the members Of all other scientific and learned
societies in the United States; the honorary and cor
responding members and friends and patrons
of the institute, and all others engaged and con-
c. ned in the "increasc and diffusion Of knowledge
among men,
The plan Of operations win be lefi entirely TO
those who may be present on the occasion. The In.
st,ue and the committee, without attic pting 10 con-
troll them in any manner, charge themselves with the
duties Of making every preparation in their power
adapted to facilitate the scientific objects the promo
ton Of which such body may be supposed 10
cherish.
(signed,) J. C. SPENCER,
Chairman Of Committee.