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NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE
             Washington
Founded 1836
U. S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
Public Health Serrice 
 
 
AN ADDRESS,
I-ELIVERED BEFORE THE
COLUMBIAN  INSTITUTE,
PROMOTION OF ARTS  AND  SCIENCES,


       AT THE CITY OF WASHINGTON,


           ON the 11th January, 1817.
        BY EDWARD  CUTBUSH,  M. D.

Hon. Memb. of the Philadelphia Medical and Chemical Societies;
 Corresponding Member of the Linnaean Society of Philadelphia;
             And President of the Institute,
rUBLISHEI) BY THE REQ.UEST;<$E.TH.E COLUMBIAN INSTITUTE.
   Lr-  Sj.:.. iii.L.\ ..,_,  <s>


     WASHINGTON:

PRINTED BY GALES AND SEATON,
1817. 
r 
EXTRACT  from  the minutes of  the proceedings  of the
   Columbian Institute, at its special meeting, held by adjourn-
   ment at a Committee room, attached  to Congress Hall, on
   the evening of Saturday the 11th of January, 1817.

  " Resolved, That the thanks of the Institute be presented to Doctor
" Edward Cutbush, for the Address delivered by him this evening, and
" that a copy thereof be requested, to be printed under the superin-
" tendence of the Committee of Arrangement."
  " The vote thereon being taken, it passed nem. con.—and it was fur-
" ther ordered, ' that the Secretary of the Institute transmit a copy of
" this resolve to Dr. Edward Cutbush."
             A true extract from the original minutes.

                                 NAT. CUTTING, Secretary 
 
     TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

  The following brief view of the objects and im-
portance of the Association, formed at the City of
Washington, under the title of  the " Columbian
INSTITUTE, FOR THE PROMOTION OF ARTS AND SCI-
ENCES," which you have been pleased to honor with
your patronage, is respectfully dedicated, by
             Your Excellency's
                 Most obedient,
                   And very humble servant,
                      EDWARD CUTBUSH.
WASHINGTON, JANUARY 13, 1817. 
t 
PREFATORY REMARKS.
  I  present an outline  of the objects and import-
ance of the Columbian Institute, for the promotion
of Arts and Sciences.
  Having perused various publications on the sci-
ence of chemistry, and its application to the arts and
manufactures, it is probable I have, in the following
address,  introduced,  not only many ideas of their
authors, but their language.  As those publications
are not immediately at my command, to enable me
to make a particular reference, I solicit my readers
to place to the credit of their authors, whatever may
be considered interesting on that branch of my sub-
ject.
                                        E. C 
 
ADDRESS,
Fallow-Citizens, and
    Members of the Columbian Institute :

       I am not insensible of the importance of the
duty confided to me at your last meeting, and wish,
most sincerely, that a member of more leisure and
ability, to do justice to the subject, had been selected:
anxious, however, to render my feeble aid towards
promoting the objects of the Institute, I solicit your
attention, whilst I take  a general view of its origin,
and of the  numerous advantages which  may flow
therefrom to the community.
  To a citizen*  of this District, whose philanthropy
and public spirit are as unlimited as the fertility of
his imagination, we are indebted for the first sug-
gestion of the importance of such an association at
the seat of government.
  We have, after several meetings, made some pro-
gress  in the arduous undertaking, and have adopted
a constitution, subject to such  amendments as your
wisdom and experience may hereafter dictate.  The
objects embraced by the Institute are,
  " To collect, cultivate, and distribute, the various
vegetable productions of this  and other countries,
whether medicinal or esculent; or for the promotion
of arts and manufactures:
                  * Thomas Law, Esq. 
10
   "To collect and examine the various mineral pro-
 ductions and natural curiosities of the United States,
 and to give publicity to every discovery that the In-
 stitute may have been enabled to make :
   " To obtain information respecting the mineral wa-
 ters of the United States, their locality, analysis, and
 utility, together  with  such topographical remarks,
 as may aid valetudinarians :
   " To invite communications on agricultural sub-
jects,  on the management of stock, their diseases,
 and the remedies.
   "To fonn a topographical and statistical history of
the different districts of the United States ; noticing
particularly the number and extent of streams  ; how
far navigable; the agricultural products ; the imports
ami exports ; the value of lands : the climate ; the
state of the thermometer and barometer; the diseases
which prevail in  the different seasons; the state of
the arts and manufactures; and any other informa-
tion which may be deemed of general utility.
   "To publish, annually, or whenever the Institute
shall have become possessed of a sufficient stock of
important information, such communications as may
be of public utility ; and to give the earliest inform-
ation,  in the  public papers, of all  discoveries that
may have been made by, or communicated to, the
Institute."
   Thus, gentlemen, you are presented with an am-
ple field for the exercise of your talents and industry;
difficulties, I  am sensible, will  occur; but  were
there no difficulties to encounter, less would be the
space for the expansion of  your genius.  It is true,
that in the infantile state of our city, we cannot boast
of the  possession of many, whose avocations  have
permitted them to devote their time to the cultivation 
11
of the sciences; but we can, with confidence, assert,
that there are many, very many, who possess indus-
try and an ardent desire to promote the objects of
the Institute;  whose  minds, when allured to the
contemplation of those objects, aided by a botanical
garden, a mineralogical cabinet, a museum for the
reception of natural curiosities, and a well selected
library, will, in a short period, be enabled to render
 essential services, in many of the branches of know-
 ledge embraced  by our constitution.  In the mean
 time, I trust, that the members who have been se-
 lected to execute the important duties required of the
 General  Committee, will, by their talents, industry,
 and 'perseverance, render the establishment worthy
 of the District of Columbia; and, by their example,
 will stimulate others to devote their time and talents
 to the promotion of the laudable undertaking : thus,
 fey an accession of talent, " growing with its growth,
 and strengthening with its strength,"  we may look
 forward, With pleasure, to the period, when the Co-
  lumbian Institute, for the promotion of Arts and Sci-
  ences, will assume  an elevated rank amongst  the
  scientific associations of our country.
    From the union of industrious men, the arts find
  resources, which can never be met with in the labors
  of individuals, with whom the most useful discove-
  ries  are frequently  buried.  Societies form, as it
  were, magazines, in which are collected the know-
  ledge and discoveries of the learned in all parts of
  the world, and consecrate  them  to  public utility;
  they form a commerce for the community, and, from
  a°-e to age, will, if supported, be a fruitful source of
  acquisitions and beneiits to the country.   Thus, in
  our Institute, as in a pure and fertile climate, talents
  of different kiuds may spring up and unfold them- 
iz
 reives; which, if properly applied, may cause the
 liberal arts and sciences to flourish ; and how pleas:
 ing is the reflection, that many, probably, whom I
 have now the honor to address, may be instrument
 tal in giving a proper direction to the  labors of the
 agriculturist, the artist, and the manufacturer: par-
 don me, if I presume to extend the importance of this
 Institute still further, even, improperly conducted, to
 the advancement of the literary  character of our
 country.
   Every enlightened citizen should be interested in
 the examination of the  natural productions of his
 country.   The United  States offer rich mines  of
 knowledge yet unexplored; the woods, the waters,
 and the bowels of the earth, court an examination ;
 by the aid of the Institute, new objects may be dis-
covered, which may not only be advantageous to the
artist, agriculturist, and manufacturer,  but to the
 nation at large.
   The extensive limits of our country afford nume-
rous opportunities for discoveries and improvements,
in every branch of natural science.  How many
plants are there, natives  of our soil, possessed of pe-
 culiar virtues, which would supersede the necessity
 of importing those that are medicinal, or necessary
 for the operations of the  dyer!  How many minerals
 which might serve, not only to  enrich the cabinets
 of the curious, but minister to the wants of our grow-
 ing population!  What an infinite number  of sub
 stances may present themselves as  objects  of new
 trade and commerce, or for the supply of the neces^
 sary materials, for the various domestic arts  and ma-
 nufactures ; and what means  are so likely to bring
 them to our knowledge, as research and careful in-
 vestigation ?  Therefore, considering  the extent of 
13
territory embraced by  the  United  States, whose
snirface and internal structure have scarcely been
examined, it  must be  regarded as a national  re-
proach, that we are still unacquainted with the im-
portant sources of wealth, which are yet to be open-
ed by chemical and mineralogies! enterprize. Every
individual of our republic should be animated with
a patriotic zeal in this important undertaking.
   We have been peculiarly fortunate, my friends,
that our association has commenced at the Seat of
Government; where, through the representatives of
the people, coming from the various sections of our
country, of different climates and soils, whose minds
are illuminated by the rays of science; and through
 the scientific citizens and  foreigners who visit  this
metropolis, we may reasonably expect, not only valu-
 able communications, but various seeds and plants;
hence, the necessity for a botanical garden, where
they may be cultivated, and, as they multiply,  dis-
 tributed to other parts of the Union.  Arrangements
 fehould likewise be made to establish a museum, in
 which the natural curiosities may be deposited,  and
 the minerals, which may have been presented, sci-
 entifically arranged, noticing particularly their loca-
 lity ;  and the public should receive the  earliest in-
 formation on such as may appear of utility, in the
 various  arts  and manufactures.    The  numerous
 grasses, grains, medicinal plants,  trees, &c. which
 are not indigenous to  our country, should be care-
 fully  collected, cultivated, and distributed to the
 agriculturists.
    It  is  with pleasure I have read, in  our public
 papers, that  the  coffee plant has  been  introduced
 into  the  southern sections of our country,  and is
 likely40 flourish.  We already enjoy the result of 
11
the industry and patriotic exertions of our citizens,
who have successfully introduced the culture of the
Aruudo Saccharifera, from which the United States,
in a short period, will be amply supplied with sugar,
which, at present, forms so important an article in
our diet.
   The immense quantities of cotton raised for ex-
portation and  the  use of our  manufactories, shew
the enterprize of the planters.  The growth and
manufacture of this necessary article ought to be en-
couraged  by every citizen, who  feels  a desire that
his country may not be tributary to Europe, for the
clothing of her population ; it is  a remarkable fact^
that, in the year 17^7? not a bale of cotton was rais-
ed in the southern states, for exportation.
   Various dyeing drugs might be cultivated to great
advantage.  Though the color of cloth is not essen-
tial, yet custom has made it necessary for the  manu-
facturer to please the eye; it is, therefore, desirable
that such dyeing drugs only should be used, which
our country furnishes,  or that  foreign dye-stuffs
should be cultivated in our country.   Madder, Ru-
bia tinctorum,  and the important  coloring plant call-
ed woad, Isatis tinctoria, might be cultivated in many
of our soils, and our oak, and other barks, are of im-
mense  importance  as dye-stuffs, which, by the aid
of chemistry, may be made to produce various tints.
The bark of the quercus nigra,  to which the name
of quercitron has been given,  has, for many years,
been exported from this country  to Europe, to sup.
ply their dye-houses, and for the application of this
bark to the process of dyeing, Dr. Bancroft, of Eng-
land, enjoyed  the exclusive privilege of its importa-
tion.
• 
19
  From a series of experiments made by Dr. Sey-
bert, of Philadelphia, I conceive that our common
pokeberry, Phytolacca, would be worthy of cultiva-
tion, and, by proper management, would rival the
Tyrian purple.   The coloring matter might be in-
spissated for transportation.   The cochineal insect,
used for dyeing scarlet, may, with attention, be  pro-
pagated in every part of our southern climate, where
the Indian fig, Cactus opuntia, flourishes.  Italy is
indebted for a great portion of her annual wealth to
two Persian monks, who brought a few eggs of the
silk-worm from China to Constantinople, concealed
in the hollow of a cane, from  whence they were
propagated.  Before this  period, anno 553,  raw
silk from the east sold in  Rome for its weight in
gold.   Perhaps the  time is not far distant, when the
United States will enjoy similar advantages,  from
many of the articles which  I have enumerated.
   The cultivation of indigenous and exotic plants,
capable of  manufacture, presents an important ob-
ject to the  agriculturist.  The  culture of  the  vine,
a new and  highly  valuable branch of agriculture,
ought to be encouraged.   The commanders  of our
national vessels would, I am confident, procure for
the Institute the various species of vines  from the
Mediterranean ; and, from my knowledge of  their
disposition to render, in all cases, essential services
to their country, they would, if requested, procure,
 likewise, various seeds, plants, and minerals, from
 the different ports they  may  visit.  They have ex-
 posed their lives, in defence of their country's rights,
 on the boisterous ocean, and none would feel greater
 pleasure than they, in promoting her internal  pros-
 perity and happiness. 
1(5
   Even the cultivation of our common sun-flower,
 Helianthus, and the white poppy, Papaver somni-
 ferum, next to the olive, would be highly important;
 the seeds  of these plants yield a bland oil, suitable
 not only for domestic purposes, but for the use of
 the artist and manufacturer.  Should we be enabled
 to introduce a single grain, or one grass, which will
 afford a greater proportion of nutriment than those
 we now possess, millions may be produced to our
 country.
   To enumerate the various articles which might be
 cultivated  and distributed, would extend my re-
 marks far  beyond the limits of an  address.   By
 establishing a botanical garden, we may not  only
 receive  instruction ourselves, but excite  a spirit of
 inquiry in  the minds  of the rising generation ; every
 parent within the District of Columbia, who is de-
 sirous of seeing his children possessed of general
 information, should  contribute towards the estab-
lishment and support of  the garden, museum, and
library.   By  the science of botany, we learn  to
 methodize the vegetable part of the creation, and to
arrange it  into different classes, orders, genera, and
species: by this  systematic arrangement,  we arc
taught, that all plants, of the same natural order, are
endowed,  in a degree, with some  common virtue.
What pursuit can be more rational or amusing, than
the cultivation of that science, which leads the inqui-
sitive mind to  an acquaintance with the works  of
nature ? She presents to you an extensive and  sub-
lime scene; she allures you to a knowledge of her
works, not only through this  science, but through
those of chemistry and natural history ; in these she
 also presents to you various objects, suited to your
different tastes and dispositions: each will afford an 
17
ample scope for the exercise of your minds in retire-
ment, an abundant source of knowledge, and much
rational amusement; and will enable you to benefit
the community, by imparting to others the informa-
tion you may acquire. Whether you direct your atten-
tion to the mineral productions of our soil; to the vari-
ous diminutive shrubs and flowers which grace the
banks of the meandering rivulets; to the tribes of vari-
egated insects, which riot in the sun-shine of pleasure;
or to the majestic forest tree, whose towering branch-
es penetrate the portentous cloud; you are presented
with a sublime  scene for contemplation and minute
 investigation.  To Dr? Benjamin Smith Barton, de-
 ceased,  late professor of botany and natural history
 in  the  university of Pennsylvania,  our  country is
 highly indebted for that spirit of enquiry, which has
 been excited throughout the United  States, on  this
 important branch of science, by which many valua-
 ble indigenous plants have been added to the mate-
 ria medica :  and,  I trust that the time is not far dis-
 tant, when we shall be enabled, with  certainty, to
 say, " ubi morbus  est, ibi remedium."   In short,
 my friends, there is scarcely an  art,  science, or ma-
 nufacture, which may not be benefitted by this asso-
 ciation ; and should we be so fortunate as to succeed
 in establishing a botanical garden, it may excite an
 emulation among the proprietors of the eminences
 around our city,  by inducing them to cultivate and
 adorn those beautiful heights with gardens : no city
 in the United States presents a  greater assemblage.
 of sublime views :  nothing is wanting but industry,
 public spirit, and  population, to render them not
 only pleasing to the eye, but highly advantageous
 to this  district; and, I am confident that the ladies *
           * Ladies were invited to hear the Address.
              3 
18
of this city, from whose taste and judgment, I pre-
sume, there will be no appeal, will concur with me
in the importance of a botanical garden ; which will
not only embellish the  metropolis, but afford a de-
lightful retreat, where they may inhale" the fragrant
breeze, contemplate the beauties of the creation, and
elevate their minds from  the works  of " nature to
nature's God."
   The following lines,  from the pen  of a gentleman
of this city, are so applicable to  the proposed botani-
cal garden, that 1 trust  he will pardon their recital:

        " Oh ! think what pleasure Nature's charms impart,
      To draw from worldly cares the human heart;
      What glowings flush, with exercise, the  cheek;
      What inward bliss the roseate tints bespeak.
      The mother there, may with her boy, repair,
      T' inhale the fragrance of balsamic air:
      What joy ! beneath the shade, to view her child
      Ply his elastic limbs, in gambols wild;
      She on his future prospects fondly bent;
      He on his momentary sports intent.
      The statesman there, may turn th' historic page,
      And learn experience from each former  age.
      The poet there, may court his muse retir'd,
      And, tracing vivid scenes, become inspir'd.
      The lover there, may wander in the grove,
      Indulging all the doubts of timid love ;
      Or stretch'd along the willow's roots, complain
      Of slighted vows, in many a weeping strain.
      There, youths and nymphs, conversing arm and arm,.
      May, wandering, feel the  soul-expanding charm,
      When both instruction or delight impart,
      With happy interchange, from mind  and heart :
      Or, seated in some shady blest retreat,
      Mingle with soft discourse their glances sweet.
      What bliss, to view the flow'rs, the shrubs,  and trees,
      And hear the murm'ring rill, and whisp'ring breeze.
      What harmony! when  birds in song unite,
      Nestling and billing, fluttering with delight.
      Lives there a man, whose bosom does not glow
      With prayers to Him, from whence these blessings flow ?
      All eyes, all hearts, a garden must approve,
      'Twas Heav'n's first gift to innocence and love." 
                       19
   The celebrated Lord Kaimes  remarks, "that
rough, uncultivated ground, dismal to the eye, in-
spires peevishness and discontent; may not this be
one cause  of the harsh manners  of the savages?
A field, richly  ornamented,  containing beautiful
objects of various kinds, displays, in full lustre, the
goodness of  the  Deity, and  the  ample provision
he has  made for our  happiness.   Ought not the
spectator to be filled with gratitude to his  Maker,
and benevolence to his  fellow creatures ?
  " Other fine arts may be perverted to excite irregu-
lar, and even vicious emotions; but, gardening, which
inspires the most refined and pure pleasures, cannot
fail to promote every good affection.   It is not easy
to suppress a degree of  enthusiasm, when we reflect
on the  advantages of gardening with respect to vir-
tuous education.  The gaiety and harmony of mind
it produces, inclining the spectator to communicate
his satisfaction to others, and make them as happy
as himself, tends naturally to establish in him a ha-
bit of humanity and benevolence."
   A traveller in Switzerland describes the " fierce
manners of  the Helvetians, three  or four centuries
ago, to their being continually inured to war; and
observes, that no circumstances  tended  more to
soften their  manners,  and to make them  fond of
peace, than the public buildings, carried on by their
senate,  in ornamenting  their capital."
  Having made these general remarks on agricul-
ture, horticulture, and architecture, and their  influ
ence on society, I pass  on to the  subject of  mineral-
ogy, which is a highly important branch of  enquiry.
Our country, as I have already stated, so  far as it
respects her  minerals, is unexplored.  Of  the im-
mense  riches which her  bosom contains,  we are 
20
 absolutely ignorant; it should, therefore, be one of
 the primary objects of the Institute, to procure spe-
 cimens of all the minerals which have been, or may
 hereafter be, found in the various districts. Indepen-
 dently of the metals,  clays, marbles, &c. which may
 be found useful to the  artists and  manufacturers,
 pigments might be  manufactured from many of the
 ores, equal, if not  superior, to those which are im-
 ported. Within forty  miles of this city, a mineral* is
 found, which furnishes a pigment that has been sold
 in Europe at a guinea per ounce.  In consequence of
 this defect of knowledge respecting  the minerals of
 our country,  persons have  been sent from the  bor-
 ders  of  Seneca Lake, in  the  state  of New York,
 and, if I mistake not, from Pittsburg, in  the state of
 Pennsylvania, to a  spot in the vicinity of Philadel-
 phia, to procure clay,  from whence it was transport-
 ed, by land and water, from three hundred and twen-
 ty to six hundred miles, for the use of their respective
 glass manufactories, when, doubtless, the same qua-
 lity of clay could have been found in their vicinity,
 if the country had been explored.
  The mineral, or subterraneous treasures of our
 country are, next to agriculture, interesting subjects
 of enquiry; in  many  places, the riches of the  sur-
 face are nothing, when compared with those which
 are concealed in her  bosom.  What an important
 discovery would a bed of coal be,  in the vicinity of
 our large cities, where  fuel is daily becoming a
scarce and extravagant article ?  And how immense^
ly valuable would sulphate of lime and marl be to
planters in the vicinity of this place f In fact, agri-
culture and commerce depend,  in a  great measure.
on mineral treasures.  Many persons, who have not
* Chroma!c <<f'iron. 
ai
had an opportunity of consulting works on minera-
logy, conceive that minerals, properly so called, are
ores, or metallic substances : but all the solid  sub-
stances of which our globe  is composed, are called
minerals, and that branch of  science  which de-
scribes and investigates their properties, mineralo-
gy ; which is usually divided into stones, salts, com-
bustibles, and ores ; these again are subdivided into
orders and families.  It will be  highly useful to
have a cabinet of such minerals, as have been, or
may be, found in"our country, properly classed, and,
if the funds of the Institute should hereafter permit
it, a complete collection of foreign minerals, scienti-
fically arranged for comparison.
   Another object, wliich claims the attention of the
Institute, is, to obtain correct information respecting
the mineral waters of our country. All waters which
are distinguished from common water, by a peculiar-
ity of taste, odour, color, &c. and which, in conse
quence thereof, cannot be applied to the purposes of
domestic economy, have been distinguished by the
appellation of mineral waters ; but I presume, that
the Institute wishes to become acquainted with  those
only, that have been accurately analysed, and which
have been found useful to valetudinarians.
   The communications, which may be received on
agricultural subjects, on the management  of stock,
their diseases and the remedies, when promulgated
by the Institute, will afford valuable information to
the practical farmer.
   The sixth  article of the  first section of our con
stitution, which embraces topographical and statis-
tical information, contains so many questions, high-
ly interesting to the community, that volumes might
be written on their importance.  On these, as  on 
&8
many other branches of knowledge embraced by
the Institute, we may expect many learned commu-
nications from the enlightened representatives of the
people, who annually visit this city.
  Finally, the selection and publication of the most
valuable papers, which may have been communicat-
ed, whether on commerce,  agriculture, the arts^
sciences,  or manufactures, will, I trust, furnish an-
nually a respectable volume of information.
  I have now, in a cursory manner, taken a view of
the objects and importance of this association ; with
due deference  to the General Committee,  I  would
recommend, that printed circulars be prepared, con-
taining the necessary questions for the information
of the Institute, so arranged, and divested of techni-
cal terms, that those persons, who have  not been
engaged in scientific pursuits, may be enabled to
comprehend and answer them with promptness.   I
would also beg leave to suggest to the Institute, the
propriety of offering premiums, or some honorary
reward, whenever the funds will permit, for  impor-
tant discoveries in agriculture, or the  mechanic arts
or sciences which may promote it.
   As the science of chemistry may be considered a
hand-maid to many of the arts, embraced in  the ob-
jects of this Institute, I solicit your indulgence whilst
I offer a  few remarks on its utility.
   Chemistry has  become a new  science; it is no
longer confined to the laboratory of the arts, but has
risen to  the most sublime heights of philosophy ; it
has unfolded many of the mysteries of nature, which
have  hitherto  been  regarded  as impenetrable,  and
extended our views of the connections and  ascents.
                                          O    7
which constitute growth, life, decay, and  final  de-
struction.  In connection with the operations of na- 
23
ture and existence of man, this science is worthy of
a more general diffusion; it unfolds the most impor-
tant phenomena of nature, and teaches us to render
the productions of the animal, vegetable, and mineral
kingdoms subservient to our use, and enables us to
reason on the properties of  bodies which most im-
mediately concern us,  and to predict their altera-
tions ; it presents to us a sublime view of the  order
and harmony of the different parts of our system,
and displays, in a superlative degree, the  wisdom
and goodness of  our  Creator.   The facts which
chemistry has established, prove that all the differ-
ent substances belonging to our globe, are subject to
invariable chemical  laws; that  the most extensive
and important mixtures and combinations are con-
tinually taking place, not only in the  solid  substan-
ces of the  earth, but in the  ocean and atmosphere.
Berthollet, a celebrated French chemist,  has shewn,
by experiments, that, whenever the soil  becomes
charged with vegetable  matter, the  oxygen of the
atmosphere combines  with  it, and converts it into
carbonic acid gas;  and that the same  carbon, in
process of time, is absorbed by a new race of vege-
tables, which it clothes  with a new foliage, that is
destined to undergo similar putrefaction, and renova-
tion to the end of time.
   The matters composing the terrestrial mass of the
globe we inhabit; the waters which meander on  its
surface, or penetrate its recesses; the more subtle
gaseous matter which  surrounds it; the important
agents of heat and light, and  other imponderable sub-
stances expanded through space; the growth of ani-
mals and vegetables, and the production of the differ-
ent solid and fluid substances of which their bodies
are composed, together with their changes and mix. 
24
tures,  are all subjects for the investigation  of the
chemical philosopher.   This  science is intimately
connected with almost every branch of human know-
ledge : the arts, agriculture, and manufactures, ob-
jects embraced in the views of this Institute, and so
eminently conducive to the prosperity of nations,
would never have arrived at their present state of
comparative perfection, without the aid of the philo-
sophical chemist.  Dr. Bancroft, in  his philosophy
of permanent colors, observes, that Mr. Wedge-
wood, whose ware  has been  so  much  admired in
this country, in  consequence of his application to
chemistry, was enabled to procure  all the fine di-
versity of colors, which decorated his pottery, from
the oxides of iron.   Bleaching, tanning, glass, and
porcelain making, the working of metals, and various
other  arts, are purely chemical; therefore, in pro-
portion as chemistry is cultivated, in the same ratio
will the arts flourish.  Agriculture can  only be im-
proved by the assistance of the chemical philosopher.
it is  chemistry  which explains the  phenomena of
vegetation, the growth, the maturation, and the death
of plants ; and to chemistry we must have recourse
to remedy the diseases to which they are subject.
   Vegetation is  a chemical process ; it consists in a,
series of changes of composition, terminating  in the
formation of certain products.   We are already ac
quainted with the influence of soil, and the action of
manures, and we have  every reason to suppose, that
chemistry will enable  us to apply  the agents on
which the nutrition of vegetables depends, or to re
gulate those circumstances, which influence the for-
mation of their various products.  The experiments
of a late French writer, Braconnot, lead to the con-
clusion, that oxygen and hydrogen, with the assist- 
£5
ance of solar light, are the only elementary substan
ces employed in the constitution of the whole uni-
verse; and that nature, in her simple progress, works
the most diversified effects, by the slightest  modifi-
cations, in the  means she  employs.  He drew his
conclusions, from having  sown  seeds  of  various
plants in pure  river  sand, in litharge,  which is  a
semi-vitreous oxyde of lead,  in flowers of sulphur,
and even among common leaden shot; and in every in-
stance employed nothing more for their nourishment
than pure water.  The plants throve,  and passed
through all the usual gradations of growth to perfect
maturity.  On analysis, he obtained from these ve-
getables all the materials peculiar to each species,
precisely as if they had been cultivated in a natural
soil.   Be not surprised, my  friends, should we see
floating gardens on our large rivers.
   Were I to enumerate all the important effects re-
sulting from the application of chemistry to  agricul-
ture, the arts, and manufactures, I fear, that I should
trespass on your patience.   I cannot, however, re-
frain from remarking, that we are indebted to this
science, for the discovery and application of the car-
bureted  hydrogen gas to  the illumination of our
 streets, manufactories, and  public buildings; and
 Pappin's digester, improved by the celebrated Cadet
 de Vaux, would,  in times  of scarcity, be ranked
 among the most important  discoveries; by it, the
 bones of animals, which are  usually thrown into our
 streets, might  be rendered  proper for  the  food  of
 man.   One pound of bone, according to the experi-
 ments  of this able  chemist, yielded  twenty-four
 bowls of excellent soup.   Since chemistry  has ex-
 tended our views of the laws of heat, our navigators
 are enabled to steer clear of sub-marine rock«, of the
            i 
Sti
 massy pyramids of ice which float from  the poles,
 and of the dangerous lee shore, when enveloped in
 mist, or shrouded by the mantle of night.   I can at-
 test the utility of the thermometer as a sea instru-
 ment.
   The science of chemistry is considered of so much
 importance in Europe, that it has become an essen-
 tial branch of education, in most of the public semi-
 naries.   In France, professors  are appointed to de-
 liver public lectures, at the expense of the nation ;
 there, may be seen the philosopher, legislator,  mi-
 nister, naturalist, physician, agriculturist, engineer,
 artillerist, manufacturer,  painter, dyer,  in  short,
 every class of citizens, assembled to hear public lec-
 tures on  this interesting science; and I will venture
 to affirm, that there is not a single operation among
 its processes, nor a single discovery in this science,
 which may not be considered as the source of a new
 art, or of new advances to be made in some art al-
 ready established.    This science boasts of the  pa-
 tronage of a number of eminent men.  Dr. Black,
 Dr.  Home,  Dr. Hunter,  and Mr. Davy, have  all
contributed largely towards benefitting the British
empire, by the application of their chemical research-
 es to  national  purposes,  particularly to agriculture
 and manufactures.
  Whilst the  study of chemical science  was con-
fined exclusively to physicians, it was limited in its
object*.   From the laboratories of private gentle-
men,  and particularly from Priestley, Lavoisier, and
 Cavendish, those  great discoveries  issued, which
 have  exalted chemistry to its  present rank and use-
 fulness.  It is worthy of remark, that Dr.  Priestley
 did not make a single chemical experiment, until he
 was in the  fortieth year of his age.  What an ani- 
27
mating example of industry and application ! By
his important  discovery of oxygen gas, called, by
him, dephlogisticated air, we were taught how, and
why, we respired; without this  pabulum vita^, we
should cease to exist.  Volumes would not contain
an enumeration of the important discoveries he ren-
dered to society; he was, unquestionably, one of the
brightest  ornaments of pneumatic philosophy.   Per-
secuted in the  land of his nativity, he retired to the
peaceful shades of Northumberland, in the state of
Pennsylvania, where, full of years and covered with
literary honors, he departed this life in 1804:
               Science still mourns his loss.
   Considering the  vacant time  which the affluent
planters,  in some parts of our country,  possess, it is
a matter of astonishment and regret, that the sciences
of botany, chemistry, and mineralogy, have not been
generally cultivated, either by themselves or their
sons, who are to inherit their estates.  Botany would
 enable them to explore the woods ; and their leisure
 hours might be employed in amusing and useful ex-
 periments, to  ascertain the quality of their soil, the
 minerals  which it imbosoms, and of the waters which
flow on its surface, by which  they would not only
 render an essential benefit to their country, but add
 considerably to their wealth.
   On taking a retrospect of the importance of this
 association,  I cannot refrain from indulging the
 pleasing hope, that the members of our national gov-
 ernment, to whom has been confided the guardian-
 ship of the District  of Columbia,  will extend their
 fostering care  to this establishment, and,  if  no con-
 stitutional restrictions forbid it,  that a part of the
 public ground, reserved for national  purposes, may
 be vested in the " Columbian Institute for  the pro- 
25
 motion of Arts and Sciences,** for the purpose of car-
 rying into effect the leading objects of the association;
 also, that the members, who now, or may hereafter,
 compose the Institute, may become an incorporated
 body.  1 would also, with due deference, suggest,
 that a small pecuniary aid would enable the Insti-
 tute, at an earlier period, to extend its benefits to all
 parts of the United States.  I am confident, that the
 enlightened and patriotic citizens of our country will
 co-operate in the laudable undertaking, and enable
 us to render an essential service to  the  nation, by
 perpetuating an  establishment worthy  the  metro-
 polis, bearing the name of our illustrious Wash-
 ington; where, at some future period^ the youth  of
 our country will repair to complete their  education
 at the national Seminary, to which  the Botanical
 Garden and Mineralogical Cabinet would be im
 portant appendages.
   Much may be  expected from the  rising genera
 tion;  the various seminaries  and societies for the
 diffusion of  knowledge, now enrol the  names of
 many whom our country will  delight to honor  and
 reward.   Our forests, which, but a few years since,
 were the haunts of savages and wild beasts, have
 been decorated by the enterprise of our countrymen
 with  cities and villages, which vie with many on
 the continent of Europe, and with their increase,
public seminaries multiply.  In no nation has their
 industry been  surpassed; the earth, cultivated by
 their care, teems  yearly with new productions;  the
 proud oak falls at their feet to receive from them  a
 new being; hemp and flax are divested of their bark
 to furnish clothing; the metals are moulded by their
 hands; the fleece intended  for their  use is  woven
 and  dyed of various colours: and the golden bar- 
29
Vest and rich attire of their verdant lawns,  attest
their industry, their opulence, and increasing impor-
tance.
  The confines of the patent office, of our city, bear
ample testimony of the genius which prevails in all
parts of our country.   To what are we to attribute
this grand spectacle, or what  has infused so much
strength and activity into the mind, but our republi-
can institutions? We have the superlative happiness
to live in tranquillity, under an inestimable form of
government; here, plenty smiles, and an honorable
field is open  to the talents and enterprise of every
class of citizens.   Where genius and talents are re-
spected, rewarded, and promoted, the arts and sci-
ences will flourish, and the wealth and power of the
nation increase.
   Gentlemen and associates  !  what more  shall I
say? Shall I tell you, that by your labors, this pic-
ture of happiness  and independence may be increas-
ed ? That, by your humble efforts,  you may be in-
strumental in elevating your country to the highest
pinnacle of glory; or, shall I tell you, that the great
work  in  which  you are engaged, will enrol your
names in the temple of Fame ? No—1 will not insult
your understandings;  your  intercourse with the
world must,  long since, have  convinced you of the
importance of such associations. May your labors
 be crowned  with  success. 
 

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