Here also (in Yale College) successful observations have been made with good instruments, although no permanent building has been erected for an Observatory.
We only give single examples by way of illustration, for the history of the progress of science in the United States, and of institutions for its promotion, during the present generation, would demand a volume. It is enough for our purpose that science is understood and valued, and the right methods of prosecuting it are known, and the time is at hand when its moral and intellectual uses will be as obvious as its physical applications. Nor is it to be forgotten that we have awakened an European interest in our researches: general science has been illustrated by treasures of facts drawn from this country, and our discoveries are eagerly sought for and published abroad.
While with our co-workers[E] in many parts of our broad land, we rejoice in this auspicious change, we are far from arrogating it to ourselves. Multiplied labors of many hands have produced the great result. In the place which we have occupied, we have persevered despite of all discouragements, and may, with our numerous coadjutors, claim some share in the honors of the day. We do not say that our work might not have been better done--but we may declare with truth that we have done all in our power, and it is something to have excited many others to effort and to have chronicled their deeds in our annals. Let those that follow us labor with the like zeal and perseverance, and the good cause will continue to advance and prosper. It is the cause of truth--science is only embodied and systematized truth, and in the beautiful conception of our noble Agassiz--"_it tells the thoughts of God_."
Although we are writing a preface to our first series already closed, we may, without impropriety, say something of the Second Series now in successful progress. It began on the first of January, 1846; instead of being quarterly like the First Series, it appears once in two months--six times in a year, giving two volumes of 450 pages each. In this Series, the name of a third editor appears upon the title page, and the remarks which have been already made are, in their spirit and almost in the letter, applicable in the present instance. The _unity_ is still preserved, and both counsel and action--favored by juxta-position and constant intercourse--are almost as if one individual presided alone. It will be perceived, therefore, that we have not departed from the principle which has governed us from the beginning, and when our mantle shall fall, there are those at hand who may, if it be worth the effort, arrest it in its descent and wear it more worthily than we have done.