Washington, D. C., April 9, 1892.

My dear Professor Marsh,

Yours of April 8th, with enclosure, is received. Certainly
if we can have $1500 a year to provide for the expenses of the an-
nual meetings, it would be a very desirable thing and will secure
a much better attendance.

I am also inclined to think that it would be a good thing if
only two new members were elected annually until the number falls
to 70, but I have my doubts whether this would be agreeable to a
number of members, and if the proposed gift is to be made contin-
gent upon the Academy taking such action, and this fact is known,
I fear it might arouse considerable opposition and an outcry that
an attempt was being made to purchase the votes, etc. I am sorry,
therefore, that Professor Gould has had his letter printed and
distributed. It is pretty sure to get into the public press,
which will make it difficult to handle the matter. It appears to
me that it is a question which should be discussed in the Council
privately before any public reference is made to the matter, and
I would certainly advise you not to allude to it in your public
address.

We are having splendid weather, and I think there is no doubt

Washington, D. C., June 6, 1895.

My dear Professor Marsh,

I enclose a letter just received from Professor Chandler.
I fully approve his suggestion that the Council should authorize
the proposed modification in the award of the Barnard medal, and
that you take the responsibility of informing Professor Chandler
that the Council approve this change, and that there is no doubt
the formal approval of the Academy will be granted at its next
meeting.

With kindest regards, believe me to be,

Professor O. C. Marsh,

New Haven, Conn.

SCHOOL OF MINES, COLUMBIA COLLEGE

41 EAST FORTY-NINTH STREET

NEW YORK ............ June 5th, ............ 189 5

My dear Professor:

Lord Rayleigh has written to President Low to say that as the
Barnard medal is awarded for the discovery of argon in the atmos-
phere, and as Professor Ramsey is equally entitled to credit with
himself for this discovery, he can not accept the medal. President
Low has obtained permission from the board of trustees of Columbia
College to award two medals, one to Lord Rayleigh and one to Pro-
fessor Ramsey for the discovery of argon in the atmosphere. The
committee of the National Academy of Sciences consisting of Pro-
fessors Boss, Dana, Goode, General Comstock and myself have voted
unanimously in favor of awarding the two medals. Professor Marsh
writes me that he thinks that this can only be done by vote of
the Academy. Unfortunately the Academy does not meet till au-
tumn and the medals must be awarded at Commencement, which is
June 12th. I have written to Professor Marsh to the effect that
it seems to me that if all the members of the council would concur
in authorizing the award of the two medals it might be done at
Commencement.

I write to ask if you will not kindly communicate at once
with Professor Marsh on this subject. It seems to me entirely
proper and in accordance really with the vote of the Academy. The

41 EAST FORTY-NINTH STREET

NEW YORK June 5th, 189 5

Academy intended to recognize the discovery of argon in the atmosphere. Only one medal was voted because the Academy had no reason to suppose that the College authorities would give two medals; for that reason Professor Ramsey was not included in the award, and I should think it would be clearly within the power and authority of the council to make this modification in the award.

It is very desirable that action should be taken at once.

Very sincerely yours,

To Professor John S. Billings,

Army Medical Museum, Washington, D. C.