The Smithsonian institution : documents relative to its origin and history / edited by William J. Rhees.

Date:
[1879]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The Smithsonian institution : documents relative to its origin and history / edited by William J. Rhees. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    985/1042 (page 965)
    way confounded with each'other (inasmuch as it often happens that know- ledge is difl'used by the same act which increases it) are nevertheless logi- cally distinct, and require to be separately regarded. No particular kind of knowledge is specified by the founder as entitled to the preference ; all branches are entitled to a share of attention ; and the order and degree in which they are cultivated must he decided by a wise regard to means and oircumstances. Knowledge may be increased by various modes of encour- aging and facilitating the discovery of new truths ; it is difl'used chiefly, though not exclusively, through the instrumentality of the press. The organization should be such as to produce results not within the province of the existing institutions of the country. It was, for instance, evidently not the design of the liberal founder to establish a collegiate institution, or a place of education ; nor would it be wise to appropriate his bequest for such an object, already sufficiently attained by the ordinary resources of public and private liberality. Considering the novelty of the undertaking, it would be manifestly unwise to stake too much on the success of the first efforts. The organization should be sucb as to admit of changes and modi- fications under the light of experience. As several years have elapsed since the fund.came into the possession of the United States, it seems no more than equitable that a considerable portion of the accruing interest should be added to the principal, to make up for the loss of time. The committee consider this suggestion as perfectly reasonable, and trust it will receive the favorable consideration of Congress. Liberal as is the original bequest, the sum is but small compared with the great objects to be accomplished. This consideration suggests the absolute necessity of economy in any outlay on buildings and fixtures ; in reference to which a prudent regard must be had, not merely to the first cost, but to the future expense of repairs, and the support of the establishment. Great care must be taken not to multiply the number of persons to.be permanently supported by the Institution. A clear and settled idea of its organization and mode of operation must pre- ■cede the adoption of a plan of building, lest, after the completion of a costly edifice, it should be found nearly or quite useless ; or worse even than use- less, by forcing a character upon the Institution which would not otherwise been given it. All view to mere local arrangement or advantage should be discarded at the outset, in the management of a trust created for the benefit of mankind. Such, very slightly expanded in a few of the propositions, are the general considerations proposed by Professor Henry as guides in adopting a plan of organization. They command the entire assent of the committee: and none .of them more so than those which refer to the necessity of strict econ- omy in the expenditure of the fund on a building, and exclusion of undue regard to.local ornament. It would not be difficult to point to a memorable instance, in a sister city of the Union, in which the most munificent bequest t er made for the purpose of education has been rendered comparatively unavailing, by the total disregard of these wise principles. It is? an addL W bLfff “ r°r ,obse.rvinS them, tb*t the attempt to erect a highly impos- inmfr dluS f°,r °Ca ornament will not only crush in the bud all hope of of a satisfW.emU HtjefS °f tbe becluest> but will be almost sure to fail ° i,saylstact°ry result as far as the edifice itself is concerned. cdiP 1,b!nr!iary’8fP!ani°f orS?nization in reference to the increase of knowl- mktee thtok te y! and 80 tborougb]y condensed, that the com- mittee think it would be best to quote his own words „ 10 increase Knowledge, it is proposed, • Jr,10 stimulate men of talent to make original researches, by offering- suitable reward for memoirs containing new truths ; and, ’ 7 g p-rth-tar«. dog ■•ZSlunhof“r,her ufolded iQ lha f011'”'- By stimulating vcseavchcs.