The text of this book has been preserved in its original formapart from correction of two typographic errors: embarrasment →embarrassment, Cassegranian → Cassegrainian. Inconsistent hyphenationhas not been altered. A lengthy preliminary section concerning theSmithsonian Institution precedes the actual subject matter. A blackdotted underline indicates a hyperlink to a page, illustration orfootnote (hyperlinks are also highlighted when the mouse pointerhovers over them). Page numbers are shownin the right margin and footnotes are located at the end. Footnotes are located at the end.
The original blank cover has been modified by addinga title and is placed in the public domain.
On the Construction of a Silvered Glass Telescope
PROCURES KNOWLEDGE FOR MEN.—Smithson.
ADVERTISEMENT.
This volume forms the fourteenth of a series, composed of original memoirs on differentbranches of knowledge, published at the expense, and under the direction, ofthe Smithsonian Institution. The publication of this series forms part of a generalplan adopted for carrying into effect the benevolent intentions of James Smithson,Esq., of England. This gentleman left his property in trust to the United Statesof America, to found, at Washington, an institution which should bear his ownname, and have for its objects the “increase and diffusion of knowledge amongmen.” This trust was accepted by the Government of the United States, and anAct of Congress was passed August 10, 1846, constituting the President and theother principal executive officers of the general government, the Chief Justice ofthe Supreme Court, the Mayor of Washington, and such other persons as they mightelect honorary members, an establishment under the name of the “SmithsonianInstitution for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.” Themembers and honorary members of this establishment are to hold stated and specialmeetings for the supervision of the affairs of the Institution, and for the adviceand instruction of a Board of Regents, to whom the financial and other affairs areintrusted.
The Board of Regents consists of three members ex officio of the establishment,namely, the Vice-President of the United States, the Chief Justice of the SupremeCourt, and the Mayor of Washington, together with twelve other members, three ofwhom are appointed by the Senate from its own body, three by the House ofRepresentatives from its members, and six persons appointed by a joint resolutionof both houses. To this Board is given the power of electing a Secretary and otherofficers, for conducting the active operations of the Institution.
To carry into effect the purposes of the testator, the plan of organization shouldevidently embrace two objects: one, the inc