Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1848-11-18
THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.
FROM THE JOURNAL on COMMERCE.

properly based upon the literal Interpretation and distinct
logical significance OF the terms increase and Of
knowledge, occurring in that clause of Mr. Smthsons will
which declares the object Of the tesaor be found
Washington, under the of the Smithsonian Institution
an establishment for the increase and diffusion Of knowledge
among men, These terms used as synonymes by
persons engaged in the scientific pursuits to which Mr.
Smthson devoted his life and their diverse import is clearly
recognised in the formation both in Europe and America of
numerous associations which seveay contemplate the pro-
motion Of only of their objects. Many of our scien-
thc societies seek to increase the store Of human know
ledge by the discovery Of truths while yceums,
Library associations, young mems and mechanics in
stltutes contemplate only the diffusion Of knowledge among
men, To promote the increase Of knowledge the Regents
OF the Smithsonian Institution propose, first the offering of
rewards for memoirs containing truths in the expecta
ton OF thereby stimulating of talent to make original
researches and, second to appropriate annually portion of
the income for particular researches under the direction of
suitable PERSONS The circulation OF these and of
the results of the proposed researches will operate extensively
to disseminate nformaon and by the publication in add
ton thereto OF periodical reports the progress of the differ
branches of knowledge and occasionally Of trea
tses subjects of general Interest," believed that the
other great object the diffusion Of knowledge, viii be ec
| tualy advanced.
The act of Congress establishing this Institution contem-
plates the formation of Library, and of Museum of OBJ
ec Of Nature and Of Art effect which the Regents have
appropriated half the income Of the Institution The details
OF this part of the plan be very udcous The Lii
brary contain collection of the transactions and mo-
ceedngs of all the learned societies in the world the prnc
pal periodical publications. such valuable works as are not to
be found any Of the Libraries in United States and en-
taogues OF all considerable domestic and foreign libraries
The fund be devoted the formation Of the Museum not
admitting of ndscrminate collection of objects Of rational
curiosity and interest," such articles will be primarily sought
not elsewhere to be found in this country and those
especially which calculated illustrate memoirs that
may be published the Institution, establish their cor
collection of instruments of physical research is
also to be secured, being required both the illustration of
new physical truths and in the scientific investigations be
| undertaken by the Institution.
From the remarks of Professor Henry the Secretary an
pended 10 the programme of the plan OF organization ap
that the operations of the Institution have already COM
menced, and that commendabe progress has been made
Pursuant to resolution of the Board of Regents authorz-
ing the Secretary to receive and publish such memoirs as
should be found furnish interesting addition to the mass
OF human knowledge memoir presented by Messrs Squer
Davis on the remains OF the ancient inhabitants of the
North American continent having been avoraby reported on
by committee of the American chronological Society," was
accepted for publication and has appeared We anticipate
much from the reputation of Mr.. George Squier. His indie
fagabe research has developed many interesting facts
tive to the carly history of this country, and the habits and
manners of its original inhabitants letter from this accom-
pised gentleman TO Mr. Jomard the tunuH of The West
&C. when communicated to the Geographical Society of
Paris, ELECTED much commentator from that learned body
and is published in number Of the Socieys Bulletin
Mr. Walsh, writing from Paris, October 4th says that the
French sduant with Mr. Squicr in the opinion that
the ancient civilization Of the Americans belonged TO the Abo
rhymes, and did not come from without.
The memoir Of Messrs Squer and Davis constitutes the
first volume of the "Smhsonian Contributions to Know
edge-he pioneer, trust, Of long SERIES which shall be
the repository of important principles positive knowledge of
infinite value 10 the human The quao form
mined on, spendidy illustrated volume that best adapt
ed to accommodate the illustrations which will necessarily
company Of the works. very important result Of the
plan Of publication Of the original memoirs will be the reno
val which effects Of the obstacle frequently presented by the
great expense Of tie illustrations to the issuing valuable
eatises science and In this ccnnexion Professor
Henry mentions interesting relative the publication
OF !" Bowdtch's Commentary La Place" Tho certainty
Of loss the extent probably Of one-thrd Of his fortune i'm
paled luous countryman TO consult his heirs before
adopting which promised involve serious sa-
crce of their interests The response indicates elevation
Of sentiment aud pride Of self reliance that are Characters
tic Amsican youth, and especially becoming to the
children Of such father eve value (sad hey) your re-
putaton than your money The following paragraph
is quoted from address Natural History by one Of our
most active cultiyaors Of that branch Of knowledge
"Few acquainted with the fact that from the small
number of scientific works sold and the great expense of
plates naiuralsts not only paid for their abos
but suffer pecunary loss from their publications. Several
works different branches OF zoology in the course Of
publication, will leave their authors losers aggregate Of
$4,000. do not include 10 this estimate WORKS already
nshedone for instance the best contribution the natu-
raj history Of extant the publication Of which will occa-
sion lis accomplished author loss Of thousand dol
lars. naturalist is extremely fortunate il he can dispose Of
two hundred copies Of illustrated work, and the number Of
copies printed rarely exceeds two hundred and ffy."
We have already made ausion the publication OF peri.
oda reports Of discoveries science and Of the progress
made from year year the branches Of Knowledge
not strictly professional part Of the plan resolved on 10
promote the general diffusion Of knowledge With commend
able beray and comprchensveness designed that these
reports shall embrace all branches Of general interest 20 as 10
meet the demands Of tastes the diverse and that they
shall be prepared be resting and attractive
TO the general reader and useful the devotee Of single de-
partment Of knowledge They also he published in
separate parts that persons Interested particular branch
procure the parts relating TO il without purchasing The
whole portion Of the edition Of each report will be pre-
sented 10 Congress or partial distribution and the residue viii
lie given TO literary and scientific institutions and sold 10 ind
vduas The Price charged for the publications Of the nsti-
tuition viii be barely sufficient the expense Of printing
The general dissemination Of these volumes may create TASTE
for knowledge that wcatsc them be welcomed winged
messengers Of bliss school house aud IN cottage and there
they will operate to strengthen the basis Of virtue and n
gsnce on which rests the fabric Of free institutions
The plan OF organization adopted by the Board of Regents
Of the Smithsonian Institution is judous and enlightened
and justly merits the need Of public appreciation The pro-
gress already achieved in the operations Of the establishment
is also highly commcndable. The building which sdvances
towards completion is represented be admirably arranged
for its purposes and, constructed the Norman STYLE Of red
eestone, after design combining great beauty Of effect with
simplicity of DETAIL will the same time be an ornament 10
the national capital. What has been accomplished gives
that the liberal bequcsl Of the phanhropc Smith
will be managed with good faith and his intentions ener-
geticaly and efficiently executed
Hon. A. D. Srss, Representative 10 Congress from the
Sonth poonla