Herald of the times, and Rhode Islander. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1846-1849, 1847-06-17
Donation to Harvard University.
Correspondence between Hon. Abbott
Lawrence aMd Hon. Samuel A. Eliot.

Correspondence between Hon. Abbott
II Lawrence and Hon. Samuel A. Eliot.
Il BosroS, June z, IS47.
NV DEAR S,a-I have more than once con
versed with you upon the subject of establish
ing a school for the purpose of teaching th,
practical sciences, when learned from yoa
that the government of Harvard Uniyersit,
had determined to establish such school in
Cambridge, and that Professor had been ap.
pointed who is eminent in the science oi
Chemistry, and who is TO be- supported on the
foundation created by the munifcence of the
late Count Rumford.
\ For several years have seen and felt the
pressing want in our community, (and in fact
IN the whole country,) Of an increased number
of men educated in the practical sciences
Elementary education appears To be well pro-
vided for in Massachusetts. There is, howev.
er, deficiency in the means for higher edu-
cation in certain branches of knowledge. For
an early classical education we have our SC hools
and colleges. From thence the special schools
of Theology, Law, Medicine and Surgery, re-
ceive the young men destined to those profes-
sions and those who look TO commence as
their employment, pass 10 the counting house
or the ocean. But where can we send those
who intend to devote themselves TO the practi-
cal application OF sciencea How educate our
Engineers, our Miners, Machinsts and Me.
chancs Our country abounds in men Of ac-
ton. Hard hands are ready TO work upon our
hard materials and where shall sagacious
heads be taught to direct those hands'
Inventive men laboriously reinvent what
has been produced before. Ignorant men fight
against the laws OF nature with a vain energy,
and purchase their experience at great cost
Ill Al Al
predecessors ended, and not where they be-
gan? Education can enable them to do So
The application of science TO the useful arts
has changed, in the last halt century, the con-
dition and relations Of the world. II seems to
me that we have been somewhat neglectful in
the cultivation and encouragement of the SCI
entific portion Of our national economy.
Our country is rapidly increasing in popula-
ton and wealth, and is probably destined in
another quarter of a century to contain nearly
as many inhabitants as now exist in France
and England together.
We have already in the United States, a
large body Of young men who have received
classical education, many of whom find IL diff
cult to obtain n livelihood in what are termed
the learned professions. I believe the time
has arrived when we should make an effort to
Diversity the occupations of our people, and
develope more fully their strong mental and
physical resources, throughout the Union
We have, perhaps, stronger motives in New
England than in any other part of our coun-
try, to encourage scientific pursuits, from the
fact that we must hereafter look for our main
support TO the pursuit Of commerce, manufac-
lures, and the mechanic arts, to which il be-
comes our duty, in my humble judgment, to-
make all the appliances of science within our
power. We inherit, and are forced to cult.
10 N vta hat has "A
MED, should be as far as possible supplied by
art. We must make better farmers, through
the application of chemical and agricultural
science.
We need then n school, not for boys, but for
young men whose early education is compile
ted, either in College or elsewhere, and who
intend to enter upon an active life as engineers
or chemists, or in general, as men Of science,
applying their attainmcnts to practical pur-
poses; where they may learn what has been
done at other times and in other countries
and may acquire habits of investigation and
with an aptitude for observing and
have thought that the three great practical
branches to which n scientific education is to
be applied amongst ms, are, lst, Engineering;
2d, Mining, in its extended sense, including
Sd, the invention and manufac-
ture Of machinery. These must be deemed
kindred branches, starting from the same point,
depending in many respects on the same prn-
ciplcs, and gradually divcrging to their more
special applications. Mathematics, especially
in their application to the construction and
combination of machinery, and chemistry, the
of knowledge and an all important
study for the mining Engineer, and the key to
the processes by which the rude ore becomes
the tenacious and ductile metal, Geology, Mi
ling the properties ard uses Of materials em-
ployed in the arts, Carpentry, Masonry, Archi-
lecture and Drawing, are all studies which
should be pursued to greater or less extent
in one or all Of these principal divisions.
To establish such school as have endeav-
pred to describe in coDnexion with the UNI 1
versty, and under the care and general guild.
lnce of its Government, requires buildings
with suitable Lecture Rooms and Philosophical
A pparatus, with models and plans, and place
or their deposit and safe keeping, together
with a Cabinet, where every description Of
wood, ores, metals, &c, &c, may be deposited
or the use of the students. Without the above
appliances the Professors would be workmen
without tools. The University has already
appointed Mr.. Horsford, Rumford Professor,
who propose to give instruction upon an en-
arged plan in the science Of Chemistry. I
nave often heard Professor Horsford spoken i'm
terms Of high commendation, and as in all re-
spects competent to take charge of this impor-
lant department of science, and to bring out
the most favorable results. The testimony
rendered at home to Mr.. Hosford's capacity
has been very agreeable to me, and had salts
fed me that the selection made by the Gov
nrnment Of the College was fortunate but
nave lately learned in addition TO the high
character given him by his friends here, that
he great practical chemist of the age, Uebig)
has given his most unqualified testimony TO
he ability and fidelity Of Professor Horsford,
who was the pupil Of Baron Liebig for two
years.
deem il Of the highest importance, and in
act essential, that none but first rate men
should occupy the Professors Chairs in this
School. Its success depends upon the char.
,cters Of the Instructors. They should be
men Of comprehensive views, and acknowl.
edged talents, possessing industry, and intcg-
rlty, with an enthusiastic devotion 10 the great
interests Of science. They should love their
profession, and work in il day by day. Such
teachers will soon gather around them large
number Of pupils.
To carry out this course Of education in its
practical branches, there should be the most
instruction in Engineering, Geolo.