Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1847-10-14
Indianapolis Markets and Prices
GnrrRanf
A Sketch of SmithSon---FIans OF The
anSfiIufP.

The Association of American Naiuralists adjourn
ed at Boston Saturday, 10 meet next September IN
Philadelphia. The Boston Journal gives the follow
ing report Of interesting communication by the
eminent philosopher whose scientific researches have
conferred honor upon our country:
Professor Henry read paper on the plans aud OBJ
jects If the Smithsonian Institution. lie gave brief
historical account of Snihsun, VINO was BORA IN Eng
land. la the year I76S. He was educated the Uni
versily of Oxford,-was n man of amiable disposition
aud devoted to science. He was the best chemist III
Oxford and after hes graduation became the rival OF
Wollaston, IN minute analysis, aud possessed most
extraordinary skill IN man. pulatl0n The following
anecdUie TO the point related the authority Of
the late President Of the Royal Society.
On one occasion he observed tear trlckilng down
the face of Il ady-he caught IL piece OF glass,
lost half-anaysed the other half aud discovered
microscopic salt. He resided most ofthe time abroad,
and was the llegiIimaie of The Duke OF Nortnum-
berland who recognized him, and lett him handsome
property. He was The author of upwards OF twenty
original memoirs various subjects Of science. lie
appears To have been proud Of his scientific attain
menis, aud on occasion wroie thus:
The best blood of England flows in my veins
on my fathers side | am Observation-Disclosures my
mothers | AIN related TO kings. But this Is Of no
consequence. My name shall live in The memory of
mankind when the titles of The Northumberland and
Percys are forgotten Professor Henry said he
Of the establishment of an Institution.
Smithson died at Genoa in the year 1899, leaving
his property to his nephew, the of his brother,
with clause in ms will leaving il ia trust TO the
United States, for founding an institution to the in-
crease and diffusion of knowledge among men, in
case the nephew died without issue. He did die,
and the money! about sjU0 COO came into possession
of our government 1t was idle to say that this
ney was lost when it was lent Arkansas and other
States 1t could not be lost, for the national govern
held it in trust, and having accepted the trust
was bound To see ii devoted purpose designated
in the will Of Smiits0n. Various schemes had been
proposed carry the plan into execution. but none
definitely decided upon until year since, when
an act of Congress passed organizing the instiu
ton. Professor Henry then explained his
neciion with the Smithsonian Institution, which
entirely unsolicited ON his part. He mentioned the
several plans which had been suggested for the or
ganization Of the lnsit ton, well that which
had been finally adopted es compromise. Accord
ing TO this
To Increase Kao,cedge-It is proposed, LIST, To
stimulate of talent, in every part of the country
and of the world to make original researches by Of
fering suitable rewards: and 3D. To appropriate an
nuay portion OF the income for particular research
es under the direction of suitable persons.
To DiG,use Kanr edse-lt Is proposed, LIST, To
publish series Of periodical reports the progress
of all branches of know LEDGE and 3D. To publish
casionly separate IreatseS on subjects OF general III
terest.
No memoirs on subjects of physical science, to be
accepted for publication which does not form posi-
tive addition to human knowledge, and all unyerhed
speculaiions to be rejected.
Each memoir presented TO the Institution to be sub
mitted for examination TO a commission of persons
Of reputation for learning In the branch to which the
article pertains aud TO be accepted for publication on
y in the report of this commission is favorable
fbo rf rnat aiU In no
furnished by colaboralors consisting of men eminent
In the different branches Of knowledge These reports
to consist of three classes-Phys ical-Mora and Po
lilical-Literature and the Fine Arts.
One half of the income of the Institution is to be de-
devoted to carrying out this plans the otier half TO
the increase and diffusion of knowledge by means Of
collections of books and objects of nature and art.
The building, which is slowly in progress is to be
erected In considerable part out of the interest which
will upon the interest, which has accumulated
upon the original sum, since 1t has beeh In the keep
ing Of the United States.