INTRODUCTION.
lication have been put in their possession. In so doing, they propose to exclude entirely all papers of mere theory,—to confine their communications as much as possible to facts—and by abridging papers too long for publication in their original state, to present the facts thus published, clothed in as few words as are consistent with perspicuous description.
Well aware that much leisure and superfluous wealth are not always found in company with an ardent love of science, they mean their proposed publication to be as cheap and as unostentatious as the nature of the subjects will admit; so that it need not encroach unnecessarily on the funds of the society, or of those who may wish to purchase it. In short, they are desirous of contributing their share to the mass of knowledge, as early in all cases, and with as little show, and as small expense as possible. The present publication will be a specimen of what they propose in future.
They invite the lovers of science generally, and particularly all those who are anxious for its encouragement in the United States, to aid in promoting the objects of this institution, and to encourage the present publication, so long as the contents of it shall prove deserving of public approbation.
All papers intended for publication in this Journal, must be post paid, and directed, under the proper signatures of the authors, to the Academy of Natural Sciences, No. 35 Arch-street, Philadelphia.
