THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES.
The National Academy of Sciences was established by act of Congress in March, 1863, with power to frame its own constitution, select its own members, and provide in other respects for its continuance and successful operation.
The object of the Academy is to advance science, and especially to investigate, examine, experiment, and report on any subject of science or art, whenever called upon by any Department of the Government.
The Academy contains at present about one hundred members, and these have all been selected for their original researches in science. They represent within their ranks nearly every department of knowl edge, and their services, in accordance with the charter of the Academy, are always at the disposal of the Government, without compensation.
SESSIONS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY.
During the past year, the Academy has held three sessions. The first was the regular annual meeting held in Washington, D. C., April 19 to 12, 1887; the second was a scientific session, in New York City, November 8 to 11, 1887; and the third was a special session, in New York, November 9, 1887.
HELD IN WASHINGTON CITY, APRIL 19 TO 22, 1887.
The Washington session was held in the National Museum, the presi dent, Prof. O. C. Marsh, presiding.
The following members were present during the session: