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The Society shall consist of such persons as may sub- scribe this Constitution, and such others as shall here-
14 74
Insurance on Books, amt. $1500,
6 00
Payment Loan of S. Sellers,
200 00
Carpenter's Work,
29 00
Binding Books,
6 25
Blank Books,
24 21
Oil,
Room Committee, Fuel, and
37 14
Care of Room,
$1064 15
CR.
By Cash, amt. collected of Members, deduct- ing commissions, $602 65
amt. collected by Librarian for Cata- logues and fines, 182 25
amt. collected of Room Committee, Rent of Room, 60 25
One year's ground rent,
75 00
Dividends Bank of N. America,
20 00
Farmers' and Mechanics'
Bank, 4 00
1 year's Interest, Ches. and Del. Ca- nal Loan,
108 00
12 00
By Balance,
$1064 15
after be elected agreeably to this Constitution and the By-Laws hereafter made.
Serving Report and notices to Members,
39 93
HAZARD'S
REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA.
DEVOTED TO THE PRESERVATION OF EVERY KIND OF USEFUL INFORMATION RESPECTING THE STATE.
EDITED BY SAMUEL IIAZARD.
VOL. IX .- NO. 14. PHILADELPHIA, APRIL 7, 1832. NO. 223.
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE.
-
Report of the Board of Managers,
To the Franklin Institute of the State of Pennsylvania, for the promotion of the Mechanic Arts, the Board of Managers respectfully submit their Eighth Annual Report.
THE termination of the eighth year of our labours in- vites us to a review of the general concerns of the In- stitute, and of the progress which has been made during that year to promute the great objects for which it was established.
Pursuing the order which was adopted on former oc- casions, we shall first call the attention of the members to that part of our duties which is connected with edu- cation.
This was the first object of the founders of the Insti- tute, and must ever continue to be one of its most im- portant departments. Another year's experience adds to the high opinion previously formed of the general fit- ness of the plan of instruction heretofore pursued, while the success of some new and hitherto untried projects seems to invite to further experiments in order to add to its usefulness and efficiency. The separation of the subject of practical mechanics from the chair of natural philosophy and mechanics has added to the attractions of our lecture room. The instruction delivered every fort- night by our new lecturer, Mr. Franklin Peale, has from its novelty and from the intrinsic merits of the lec- turer, attracted much attention on the part of the pub- lic: the experiment, so far as it has proceeded, has gi- ven to the Board great satisfaction, and has, it is hoped, been equally gratifying to the members of the Institute at large. By reducing the very extensive field which had fallen to the lot of Professor Johnson, it will relieve him from part of his duties, and enable him to devote more time to other portions of the important professor- ship committed to him. Natural philosophy may be considered as the very element of all the subjects taught in the Institute's lecture room. Without a proper knowledge of it, the students will derive much less be- nefit from the lectures on mechanics, or on chemistry. It is therefore desirable that this science should be taught as thoroughly as possible; and that the lecturer's attention and time be not divided between too many subjeets. The course of chemistry, by Professor Frank- lin Bache, continues to enlist the attention of a large and respectable part of the community.
It is with much pleasure, that the Board advert to the increasing interest in our lectures manifested by the fe- males and younger branches of the families of our mem- bers. There have been issued by the actuary, 196 mi- nors' tickets, 63 ladies' tickets, and two strangers' tickets. Including female minors, there are now IIO ladies attending our lectures, which is an increase of 44 over our number last year.
Our schools have also experienced some change in their organization, and have, we believe, increased in efficiency. The drawing school retains its usefulness, and includes at present thirty-nine pupils. The teach- er of ornamental drawing, Mr. Bridport, having resign- VOL. IX. 27
ed his situation, it has been found expedient not to fill the vacancy during the present winter. The teacher of architectural drawing, Mr. Strickland, is well quali- fied to give instruction in all the departments, and ex- perience has satisfied us of the propriety of having but one teacher in the same room at the same time. Doubt- less, if the funds of the Institute permitted us to retain for our own use some of the apartments which are now rented, a more enlarged plan of schools could be adopt- ed, consistently with the ample accommodations which would then be at our disposal. Foremost among the departments which would claim a portion of these ac- commodations, would be the new English school lately opened by the Board. Our predecessors have had fre- quent opportunities of expressing their sense of the im- portance of the mathematical school, established soon after the formation of the Institute, and their regret that it did meet with that encouragement to which it seemed entitled. Believing that its failure proceeded from the circumstance that its plan was too restricted, and not sufficiently popular, the Board have this year esta- blished an evening English school; in which all the branches of a plain English education are taught; with this additional circumstance, however, that the high qualifications of the teacher will enable him to carry his pupils as deeply into the science of mathematics as it may be convenient or desirable that any of them should proceed. This school embraces, therefore, all that was expected of the mathematical school, while its more en- larged field of operations will, we hope, give it an addi- tional degree of popularity with the members of our as- sociation. The salutary provisions of our laws, as well as the more powerful influence of public opinion, re- -quire that each apprentice shall receive from his mas- ter during the term of his apprenticeship, a certain amount of schooling. Unfortunately, however, this part of the indentures is in many cases but imperfectly attended to. It is the object of the Board to establish a school of such a character as shall command the good opinion of our members, and induce that large portion of those who are engaged in mechanical pursuits to se- lect it as the best, for the education of their sons, and of the' apprentices committed to their charge. To the journeyman, likewise, who wishes to improve himself, it will offer great inducements. Actuated by these views, the Board have selected for the teacher Mr. Seth Smith, and have placed the expenses of the school upon the lowest terms. The committee of instruction have re- ported to the Board the entire satisfaction which they experienced from the judicious mode of instruction adopted by Mr. Smith, from the good order and atten- tion which prevail in the school, and from the accom- modations which it affords to those who now attend it. It has been open but a few weeks, and the number of pupils in attendance is consequently very limited, but there is reason to hope, that after it shall have been longer in operation, and have become more generally known, it will receive additional patronage, and by its increased numbers, as well as by its merits, reflect cre- dit upon the Institute. To the fostering care and at- tention of their successors the Board would respectfully recommend this school, as an instrument calculated to produce great good.
The Board having ascertained in the beginning of the
210
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE.
[APRIL
year, that a gentleman of this city was disposed to give a course of lectures on geology, provided sufficient en- couragement were given him, granted to him the use of their room, free of rent, or expense of lighting and heating, on condition that corresponding advantages should be extended by him to such of our members as chose to attend the lectures, and it is believed that a number of them availed themselves of the opportunity.
The following schedule exhibits the benefits derived by the community from our system of lectures and schools; premising, however, that it does not include the number of members of the Institute that attend the lectures, but merely the extra tickets sold, during the last and present winter.
1830-1
1831-2
Lecture tickets sold for minors,
175
196
do.
do.
ladies,
42
63
do.
do.
strangers,
2
2
219
261
Drawing school tickets, architectural department,
41
39
Drawing school tickets, miscellaneous department,
19 suspended.
English evening school, recently esta- blished,
23
279
323
Increase over last year 44.
The next subject to which we would invite your at- tention, is that of exhibitions. The experience of each succeeding year adds to our conviction that next to ed- ucation, and second only to that in importance, are the displays of domestic manufactures made at stated peri- ods under the patronage of the Institute. It would car- ry us ton far at present, and indeed it would be a work of supererogation to enlarge upon the great benefits which the country derives from them; it will suffice to state, that to the Institute itself they are of incalcula- ble advantage-they keep it in close and intimate con- nexion with the manufactures and mechanics not only of this city, but of the Union at large-they quicken the zeal and interest of our fellow citizens in the pros- perity of an institution, which, so long as it shall con- tinue to restrict itself to its legitimate field of operation, cannot fail to receive, as it will deserve, extensive pa- tronage-they gratify the just and honorable pride of the mechanic, and induce him properly to estimate the character of the association, which enables him without any expense or trouble to himself, to select in his ob- scure and remote workshop, the wares which, when ex- hibited in broad daylight before thousands of his fellow citizens, procure to him the meed of approbation, as well as the more solid benefits resulting from a due ap- preciation by the consumer of the merits of the manu- factures of our own country. To promote these exhi- bitions, and to secure their success, it is the duty of those whom you have intrusted with the stewardship of your affairs, and who have excepted the trust, to spare no exertions, and to avoid no reasonable expense. Im- pressed with these views, this Board adopted at their very first meeting the project of holding an exhibition in 1831, and at their first stated meeting, they decided that as no views of mercenary profits influenced the In- stitute in their establishment, all the proceeds from the sale of tickets of admission, should go to the defraying of the expenses of the exhibition, and that any surplus funds should be appropriated to the improvement of subsequent ones. Accordingly the expenditures of the last exhibition have been upon a more liberal scale than those of any that preceded it. Our actuary was sent to visit the principal manufacturing towns and establish- ments in the United States, in order to establish a per- sonal connexion between the proprietors and the Insti- tute. They were invited to send their goods to our ex- hibitions, the objects and character of which were fully
explained to them. Several of them availed themselves of the opportunity of doing so, and others who were not prepared for the exhibition of 1831, have promised to contribute to them in future. The success of that held in October last has fully realized our most sanguine expectations, and is believed to have exceeded in in- terest any of those which had preceded. It has certain- ly shown that neither the zeal of our manufacturers, nor the interest of the public, had suffered the least im- pairment by the frequent repetition of our appeals to them. Influenced by these motives, the Board imme- diately afterwards considered the propriety of holding the eighth exhibition in October next, and resolved the question affirmatively. Without intending to decide that circumstances may not at some future time require that their recurrence be less frequent, we shall confine ourselves to the statement that hitherto no such neces- sity has presented itself, and that we are of opinion that it is the duty, as well as the interest of the Institute, however troublesome their exhibitions may be, not to shrink from them so long as they are productive of the benefits which have hitherto attended them. If any further proof be wanted of the estimate in which they are held by the public, we shall find it in the readiness with which the Institute have been intrusted with the appropriation of moneys raised for the advancement of certain branches of industry. The sum of one hundred and twenty dollars was last year placed at their disposal to encourage a competition on stoves and grates for an- thracite; of this fund one hundred dollars have already been awarded. A still more flattering proof of confi- dence was evidenced in the appropriation by the City Councils, of the sum of one hundred dollars, to be awarded by the Institute to the successful competitor on street lamps, in October next.
With a view to do justice to all those who had depo- sited their wares at our last exhibition, a full account of it has been published in pamphlet form, and is in the course of distribution. To it is annexed the plan of the eighth exhibition, with the list of premiums to be then awarded; the Board would earnestly invite the members to assist in its extensive circulation. Finally, it is gratifying to the Board to state that they have suc- ceeded in obtaining a sufficient number of medals to redeem the pledges given, not only at the last exhibi- tion, but even at the preceding ones, and that a public distribution of them will take place on the 21st instant, and that it will be preceded by an address by a member of the Institute. Those to whom honorary mentions have been awarded, will at the same time receive the certificates which have been prepared for them.
The Journal of the Institute hasbeen continued with every possible attention. The valuable services of our esteemed editor, Dr. Jones, have been secured for a continued period by a new arrangement equally satis- factory to himself and to the Institute, and the difficul- ties and obstacles produced by his distant residence have been removed by the assiduity of a committee of the Board. The Journal has, during the last year, contain- ed more original matter than at any former period. It includes the description of four hundred and seventy- two American patents, with remarksupon their respec- tive merits, and full copies of the specifications, accom- panied by plates, were published whenever the impor- tance of the subject warranted it. The patronage which the Journal receives is gradually increasing, though by no means equal to what we would fain hope that it will be after its merits shall be better known and more fully appreciated. It is perhaps not sufficiently known that the Board have, by great exertions, succeed- ed in making arrangements which enable them to offer a liberal compensation to those authors who contribute communications to the Journal. This arrangement, it is believed, will add much to its merit. The nett in- crease in the list of subscribers during the last year does not exceed eighty-eight, but it is hoped that by due ex- ertions a larger accession will be obtained.
211
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE.
1832.]
The Journal has been enriched this year by the publi cation of meteorological observations; a subject which had been heretofore unattended to, but which in the present state of science should not be neglected. These are interesting, as it is believed that there are very few meteorological tables regularly published at this time in the United States.
The investigations, commenced two years since, on the subject of water power, were carried on with a per- severance and devotion on the part of the committee to which they were intrusted, that entitle the results which they have obtained to the fullest confidence. That the range of their inquiries was extensive, and the attention bestowed upon each part, minute, will appear from that portion of their report which has been laid before the public. Those who had expressed surprize at the length of time which elapsed, before the commencement of the publication, have ceased to wonder at it, since the ex- tent of their calculations has become manifest. The published part of the report already includes sixty pages, and contains the results of 694 experiments, the effect of each of which has been subjected to minute calculation. The residue will be published with as much rapidity as can be done, consistently with the nu- merous engagements of the gentlemen who are prepar- ing the report.
.
The committee charged with the investigation of the causes of explosions in steam boilers, have also been zealous in the pursuit of the subject intrusted to then. An extensive diffusion of their circulars produced an accumulation of reports and communications, some of which contain much instructive and interesting matter. As the curious facts which it embraces seem to deserve immediate publication, a selection was made from the mass, and the publication has been continued for several months; adding, it is believed, to the interest of the Journal. In addition to this, the committee have made experiments upon many of the points which were deem- ed deserving of particular investigation, and have ex- pended about one half of the fund which was placed at their disposal for that purpose. It is hoped that the whole of the experiments will be completed in the course of a few months, when their results will be brought be- fore the public.
The Institute have also commenced an investigation of much interest, into the resources of our great com- monwealth, considered in relation to its industry and manufactures. It is one of the peculiarities of a coun- try situated as ours is, that the constant increase of its wealth and population, as well as the great fluctuations produced by it, renders the task of collecting statistical information extremely difficult, while at the same time it becomes the more important. With a view to con- tribute their aid in this respect, and disavowing all con- siderations not strictly scientific, the Institute have rais- ed a committee for the purpose of attending to this subject. The Board merely introduce a notice of it here, in order that the report may embrace a connected view of all the subjects which receive the attention of the Institute.
For the same reason, they would state that, it having been ascertained that a representation to the Secretary of State on the subject of the existing patent laws would be kindly received, a committee was raised in the Insti- tute for the purpose of addressing a memorial to him on that subject, and that there is reason to hope that at an early day, the existing system, which is confessedly very defective, will be considerably improved.
The library of the Institute is receiving some addi- tions, and the accessions by way of purchases, exchang- es, and donations, are such as to give it increasing value. The reading room is daily becoming more attractive, and forms a useful point of union for our members. The Board regret that the limited means of the Insti- tute do not admit of giving to the library that extension which its importance deserves. The subject must be borne constantly in mind, in order that advantage may be taken of any favorable contingency.
The collection of models and minerals is in the same (condition as at the last annual meeting. It is to be re- gretted that the finances of the Institute do not admit of any appropriation for their increase, but the Board re- commend it to the zeal and liberality of their members to lose no opportunity of securing its extension.
Experience has proved the inconvenience attending the want of a collection of the objects that are used in the arts as raw materials, or that result from the various operations practised in laboratories and workshops. To the lecturer on chemistry, such a collection would be of immense advantage, and to the students it would be highly useful by bringing many objects before their eyes and stimulating them to inquire into their nature and properties. Such a collection would not be expensive, but would require much time and assiduity to complete it. It is understood to be anxiously called for by our professor of chemistry, and the Board recommend it to the early attention of their successors in office.
There is a committee of the Institute, the duties of which are of the utmost importance, and which has, it is believed, been of some benefit to many respectable and ingenious mechanics: we allude to the committee charged with inquiring into all inventions submitted to them, and reporting upon their merits. Its duties are delicate and difficult, hut they have hitherto been con- ducted in a manner to be useful to the applicants, avoid- ing all causes of offence to those whose inventions they are unable to commend. During the past year many applications have been made to them, most of which have been disposed of by reports.
This committee, as well as most of the standing com- mittees, hold stated meetings once a month at least, and some even once a week. These frequent meetings, al- though consuming much time, are found to advance very much the interests of the various departments committed to them.
The Board have pleasure in informing the Institute that the diploma of membership, which it is understood has been anxiously wished for by many of the members, has been executed in a manner which they think will be creditable to the taste of the Institute, as well as to the state of the arts in our country. It will be ready for distribution among the members, as soon as a suffi- cient number of copies can be printed and prepared.
There is an object to which the attention of the Insti- tute was called at the time of its origin, and which it has not yet had the means of carrying into execution. Its importance, and the calls for it, are, however, in- creasing from day to day. We advert to a chemical la- boratory, devoted to practical operations, either in analytical or technical chemistry. There is at present no such establishment in the city; we believe there is none in the United States. In a place where the arts and manufactures are daily extending in importance and value, the want of it is greatly felt. Our lecturers on chemistry have their time too much occupied by the pre- paration of experiments for their lectures, to be able to attend much to the practical instruction of pupils. The few professors, who are disposed to receive youths in their laboratories, make this, at most, but a secondary object; it is with them rather a matter of favor than of business. The advantages which France has derived from the able chemists that were instructed in the an- cient laboratory of the Royal Mint, and in the more re- cent ones of Vauquelin, and of the Royal School of Mines, are too well known to require comment. The expense of fitting up such a laboratory would probably not exceed 1000 dollars, and would be amply repaid by the benefits which it would produce. There is not at present a place in which a person having a specimen of the most common iron or lead ore, can have it tested, or its value ascertained. A member of this Board, who at one time pursued this subject professionally, but who has relinquished it entirely, states that he has had more applications during the last year than he had during the four years that he kept a laboratory open in this city for
212
REPORT OF THE PHILADELPHIA INSTITUTE.
[APRIL
that purpose. It is not improbable that if one were now established, and placed under the care of a skilful and competent individual, the expenses of it might be defrayed by a very reasonable charge for the instruction of pupils, and a small fee on all minerals and other mat- ters brought for analysis or examination. To the coin- munity at large, the benefit would be very great, and to the Institute the establishment would be highly credita- ble. The Board recommend it to the early attention of their successors in office.
. During the last year, the Board have elected 264 new members, and have received the resignation of twenty; making an accession to our members of 244, from which however some deduction must be made for deaths and removals not regularly reported to them. Among the deaths, the Board regret to number that of Mr. Joseph `H. Schreiner, who for the last five years was one of their associates.
The report of the treasurer hereto annexed, exhibits an account of the receipts and expenditures during the past year, leaving a balance in his hands on the 10th inst. of $478 77, against which, however, must be placed the out-standing orders drawn by the Board amounting to $818 85, and leaving a deficiency of cash of $340 08 to be paid out of the future receipts of the treasury.
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