Senator Tappan of New York Introduces Bill to Establish SI

Senator Benjamin Tappan of Ohio introduces S. 18, a bill to establish the Smithsonian Institution. It emphasizes the useful sciences of natural history, chemistry, geology, astronomy, and especially agricultural experiments. It provides for the creation of professorships and lecturers, whose duties feature the productive and liberal arts, especially improvements in agriculture, horticulture, and rural economy.  Final legislation is not passed until August 10, 1846.