The Kansas herald of freedom. [volume] (Wakarusa, Kan. Territory) 1854-1860, 1856-12-27
Society for the Advancement Of
Science.

No one can estimate too hignly the
advantages to be derived from thor
ough knowledge of the resources ofthe
country ia which we live. Todevelop
these to our pecuniary advantage. is
the FIRST object Of ell; and while We
labor sssiasoesly to enrich ourselves.
we should never forget that We can
add much to the pleasures Of our avo-
cation in life-whatever it may be-
BY contributing to the advancement
OF Science. Not only does this keep
as interested in the pursuit Of our bus.
mess, but it improves our mental and
moral faculties, and enlarges our views
of the material world and its won
drous structure.
We are led to make these remarks,
in view Of suggestion made to as
by q friend of Northern institutions,
that the people of Lawrence should
establish one, in the shape of soci-
ETY. for the object named sbove-the
general advancement of Science
Such an institution as this would be
patronized by similar institutions ev-
erywhere, because it would, in due
course of time, afford mutual benefit.
1t was our good fortune to meet, on
Q Missouri steamboat, recently, the
celebrated naturalist and geologist,
DR.. HAYDEN. He was on his return
from a six months tour through the
Mauvaisss Terres, or bad lands of Ne
braska, and had with him about FIVE
tons of geological specimens taken
from that region. He had succeeded
in discovering some forms of fossil
mammals not previously discovered,
and there is no doubt, in our mind,
that 8 scientific exploration Of our
own beautiful Territory, would unfold
many specimens of fossils, minerals,
mammals, birds. insects and plants,
which would enrich the cabinets OF
the halls Of learning everywhere.
Why cannot we have 9 society ,sow.
which will at once establish a cabinet
az nucleus around which viii gather,
not only specimens of the natural
wealth of our own State. but of all
other States? The answer to this
question is plain-that nothing but the
apathy and indifference of our people,
nothing but mistaken idea of the
true value of such resources, can be
given as . reason why such q society
should not exist.
Last winter, lsudable effort was
made to establish in Lawrence a lit
era-y society. No one doubted the
utility of the effort, while all believed
in its heafthfuf influence upon our en-.
tire community. To build up. foster
and sustain such society, is the very
best thing which the people of Law
renee can do; and when we reflect tina
such a society can be made perma
nent, and of value to US in the future
with very little more of trouble ant
no more cost, it would seem like foil,
to let the advantage pass unimproved
With view to the speedy formation
of such society in Kansas. we hav
taken some pains to procure set o
instruments for its use. DR.. HENRY
the Secretary OF the Smithsonian In
stitute, at Washington. has promise
to place in our possession, at as earl
a period as possible. q barometer, thes
naoneser, psyehrometer, barometer, O
rain gauge. and snos0- gauge, provide
that we will make returns of tn
meteorological observations. Thes
instruments are of great value, and
We intend to do all We can in gainin
for ourself by their aid, and giving t
the public the result Of the observs
tons made with them, and yet "
would rather see them in the hands {
Scientific Society, which would tax
other fields of research, as we'll as tn
one Of nsefeoro,ogy, into their care.
We have thus thrown together
few suggestions on this subject, b
we win return to It frequently. becau
we consider it one Of great important
to Kansas, aad particularly to the eli
of Lawrence. If we are going to
o collegc-building city. let rs beg
to get the furniture ready for them. !
selecting cabinets. Ifsome other eli
in Kansas is to be the seat Of learnin
we had better know it st once. Th
question can only be determined by t
energy and public spirit of our cor
munity. in relation to this and Ii
drsd Subjects. Who viii act in Il
matter?
There is > possibility that DR.. IA
DEE, the naturalist. viii visit kans
on . professional tour, during I
coming spring. A society like I
one suggested. should be ready to q
him information as to the best poir
and localities to prosecute his
searches. By sending an intelligs
man with him. the society would .
specimens Of great value to its cabin
and tins, By mutual endeavor, bens
both.
f. 4 New Years party is to