arithmetic and algebra, but are important in geography, astronomy, grammar, translation, drawing, penmanship, and almost every other branch.

4th. The Abacus, or Numeral Frame.-This 'consists of a square frame, divided by ten strong wires, each of which passes through ten painted wooden balls, easily moveable from one end to the other.' This instrument is highly useful in illustrating the various combinations of numbers. Its use is, nevertheless, found injurious, if continued beyond a certain period, and should be occasionally dispensed with, from the

first.

It is not my business to speak of all the conveniences desirable in schools conducted in peculiar modes. Infant schools, and monitorial instruction, require their appropriate apparatus; and are topics so extensive, as justly, in the opinion of our Committee, to demand a distinct consideration. Neither is it within the limits of this lecture to mention all the apparatus proper for schools of the highest grade. It is not our colleges, so much as the common schools of our country, that claim the earliest care of this association. I feel justified, therefore, in having solicited your undivided attention, for the present, to this latter and far wider field. Beyond this I shall go no farther than to call your attention to the optical instruments manufactured by Pike, of New York; the air-pumps, by Mason of Philadelphia, and to the originality and surprising simplicity exhibited in the pneumatic apparatus and steam engine, made by Messrs Codman and Claxton of this city.

In laying these suggestions before the association, I feel much diffidence, when I consider that many who have heard them, are quite as familiar with the subject as myself. Yet I offer no apology,-feeling assured that Science will not frown on the humblest attempt to enlarge and beautify her temples.

CONSTITUTION

OF THE

AMERICAN INSTITUTE

OF

INSTRUCTION.

PREAMBLE.

WE, whose names are hereunto subjoined, pledging our zealous efforts to promote the cause of popular education, agree to adopt the following Constitution, and to obey the By-Laws made in conformity thereto.

ART. I.-NAME AND OBJECT.

THE Society shall be known by the title of the AMERICAN INstitute of InsTRUCTION. Its object shall be the diffusion of useful knowledge in regard to education.

ART. II.-MEMBERS.

1. Any gentleman of good moral character, interested in the subject of Education, may become a member of this Institute, by signing this Constitution, and paying, at the time of his admission, a fee of one dollar.

2. An annual assessment of one dollar, shall be laid upon each member; by neglecting to pay which, for more than one year after due notice from the Treasurer, he shall cease to be a member of the Society.

348

CONSTITUTION OF THE AMERICAN

3. Any gentleman, by paying at one time the sum of twenty dollars, shall become a member of the Institute for life, and be exempted from all future assessments.

4. Honorary members may be elected by the Institute, at the recommendation of two thirds of the Directors present at any stated meeting of that Board.

5. For dishonorable or immoral conduct, a member may be dismissed from the society, by a vote of two thirds of the members present, at any regular meeting.

6. Ladies, engaged in the business of instruction, shall be invited to hear the annual address, lectures, and reports of committees on subjects of Education.

ART. III.-MEETINGS.

1. The annual meeting of the Institute shall be held at Boston, on the Thursday next preceding the last Wednesday in August, at such place and hour as the Board of Directors shall order. 2. Special meetings may be called by the Directors.

3. Due notice of the meetings of the Society shall be given in the public journals.

ART. IV.-OFFICERS.

1. The officers of the Society shall be a President, Vice Presidents, a Recording Secretary, two Corresponding Secretaries, a Treasurer, three Curators, three Censors, and twelve Counsellors, who shall constitute a Board of Directors.

2. The officers shall be elected annually, in August, by ballot.

ART. V.-DUTIES OF OFFICERS.

1. The President, or, in his absence, one of the Vice Presidents, or, in their absence, a President pro tempore, shall preside at the meetings of the Institute.

2. The Recording Secretary shall notify all meetings of the Society, and of the Board of Directors; and he shall keep a record

of their transactions.

3. The Corresponding Secretaries, subject to the order of the Board of Directors, shall be the organs of communication with

other Societies, and with individuals.

4. The Treasurer shall collect and receive all moneys of the Institute, and shall render an accurate statement of all his receipts and payments, annually, and whenever called upon by the Board of Directors; to whom he shall give such bonds for the faithful performance of his duty, as they shall require. He shall make no payment except by their order.

5. To the Board of Directors shall be entrusted the general interests of the Society, with authority to devise and carry into execution such measures as may promote its objects. It shall be their duty to appoint some suitable person to deliver an address before the Institute, at their annual meeting; to select competent persons to serve on Standing Committees, or to deliver lectures on such subjects relating to education as they may deem expedient and useful; to collect such facts, as may promote the general objects of the Society; and to provide convenient accommodations for the meetings. They shall, at the annual meeting, exhibit their records, and report to the Institute. They shall have power to fill all vacancies in their Board, from members of the Society, and make By-Laws for its government.

6. It shall be the particular duty of the Curators to select books, and to take charge of the library of the Institute.

7. The Censors shall have authority to procure for publication the annual address and lectures. It shall be their duty to examine the annual reports of the Standing Committees, and all other communications made to the Society; and to publish such of them, as, in their estimation, may tend to throw light on the subject of Education, and aid the faithful instructer in the discharge of his duty.

8. It shall be the duty of the President, the Vice Presidents, and Counsellors, severally, to recommend to the consideration of the Board of Directors, such subjects of inquiry, as, in their opinion, may best advance the great objects of the Institute.

9. Stated meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at Boston, on the first Wednesday in January; on the last Wednesday in May; and on the day next preceding that of the annual meeting of the Institute, in August.

30

ART. VI.-BY-LAWS AND AMENDMENTS.

1. By-Laws, not repugnant to this Constitution, may be adopt ed at any regular meeting.

2. This Constitution may be altered or amended, by a vote of two thirds of the members present at the annual meeting, provided two thirds of the Directors, present at a stated meeting, shall agree to recommend the proposed alteration or amendment.

BY-LAWS.*

1. ON A QUORUM.

At all meetings of the Board of Directors, seven members shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of busi

ness.

2.

COMMITTEE OF FINANCE.

The Board of Directors shall annually choose a Committee of Finance, whose duty it shall be to audit the accounts of the Treasurer, and, under control of the Board of Directors, to draw orders on the Treasurer for the payment of charges against the Institute.

It shall be the duty of the Recording Secretary, on application of any two members of the Board, to call special meetings of the Board of Directors.