An Account of the Smithsonian Institution, its Founder, Building, Operations, etc.
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These pamphlets, first produced in 1857, cover the earliest history of the Smithsonian, and include biographies of James Smithson, information about the bequest, the Plan of Organization, as well as information on the Regents and the role of the Governement in the organization of the Smithsonian. There is much on the structure of the Smithsonian Building, including the lecture room, Regents' room, library, reading room, apparatus room, the Gallery of Art, meteorological and magnetic observatory and International Exchange. There is also a discussion of the correspondence and publications of the SI. A brief biography of Henry is also included. The remainder of the publication is usually devoted to a "Catalogue of Portraits of North American Indians, with Sketches of Scenery, etc., painted by J.M. Stanley" and various non- Smithsonian advertisements.
Smithsonian Institution History Bibliography
Subtitle explains "Prepared from the Reports of Prof. Henry to the Regents, and other Authentic Sources." Includes engravings of the exterior and interior of the Smithsonian Institution Building, as well as interesting advertisements from local retailers.
(Book)
Institutional History Division, Smithsonian Institution Archives, 600 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20024-2520, SIHistory@si.edu
1857, 1859, 1865, 1869, 1880