It is not pretended that this Journal has been faultless; there may be
communications in it which had been better omitted, and it is not
doubted that the power to command intellectual effort, by suitable
pecuniary reward, would add to its purity, as a record of science, and
to its richness, as a repository of discoveries in the arts.
But the editor, even now, offers payment, at the rate adopted by the
literary Journals, for able original communications, containing
especially important facts, investigations and discoveries in science,
and practical inventions in the useful and ornamental Arts.
As however his means are insufficient to pay for all the copy, it is
earnestly requested, that those gentlemen, who, from other motives,
are still willing to write for this Journal, should continue to favor
it with their communications. That the period when satisfactory
compensation can be made to all writers whose pieces are inserted, and
to whom payment will be acceptable, is not distant, may perhaps be
hoped, from the spontaneous expression of the following opinion, by
the distinguished editor of one of our principal literary journals,
whose letter is now before me. “The character of the American Journal
is strictly national, and it is the only vehicle of communication in
which an inquirer may be sure to find what is most interesting in the
wide range of topics, which its design embraces. It has become in
short, not more identified with the science than the literature of the
country.” It is believed that a strict examination of its contents
will prove that its character has been decidedly scientific; and the
opinion is often expressed to the editor, that in common with the
journals of our Academies, it is a work of reference, indispensable to
him who would examine the progress of American science during the
period which it covers. That it might not be too repulsive to the
general reader, some miscellaneous pieces have occasionally occupied
its pages; but in smaller proportion, than is common with several of
the most distinguished British Journals of Science.
Still, the editor has been frequently solicited, both in public and
private, to make it more miscellaneous, that it might be more
acceptable to the intelligent and well educated man, who does not
cultivate science; but he has never lost sight of his great object,
which was to produce and concentrate original American effort in
science, and thus he has foregone pecuniary returns, which by pursuing
the other course, might have been rendered important. Others would not
have him admit any thing that is not strictly and technically
scientific; and would make this journal for mere professors and
amateurs; especially in regard to those numerous details in natural
history, which although important to be registered, (and which, when
presented, have always been recorded in the American Journal,) can
never exclusively occupy the pages of any such work without repelling
the majority of readers.
If this is true even in Great Britain it is still more so in this
country; and our savants, unless they would be, not only the exclusive
admirers, but the sole purchasers of their own works, must permit a
little of the graceful drapery of general literature to flow around
the cold statues of science. The editor of this Journal, strongly
inclined, both from opinion and habit, to gratify the cultivators of
science, will still do everything in his power to promote its high
interests, and as he hopes in a better manner than heretofore; but
these respectable gentlemen will have the courtesy, to yield something
to the reading literary, as well as scientific public, and will not,
we trust, be disgusted, if now and then an _Oasis_ relieves the eye,
and a living stream refreshes the traveller. Not being inclined to
renew the abortive experiment, to please every body, which has been so
long renowned in fable; the editor will endeavor to pursue, the even
tenor of his way; altogther inclined to be courteous and useful to his
fellow travellers, and hoping for their kindness and services in
return.
_The Close of the First Series._
The “First Series,” as it was henceforth to be known, closed with the
fiftieth volume (1847, pp. xx + 347). This final volume is devoted to an
exhaustive index to the forty-nine volumes preceding. In the preface
(dated April 19, 1847) the elder Silliman, now the senior editor,
reviews the work that had been accomplished with a frank expression of
his feeling of satisfaction in the victory won against great obstacles;
with this every reader must sympathize. He quotes here at length (but in
slightly altered form) the matter from the first volume (1818), which
has been already reproduced almost entire, and then goes on as follows
(pp. xi _et seq._):
[Illustration: James D. Dana]
Such was the pledge which, on entering upon our editorial labors in
1818, we gave to the public, and such were the views which we then
entertained, regarding science and the arts as connected with the
interests and honor of our country and of mankind. In the retrospect,
we realize a sober but grateful feeling of satisfaction, in having, to
the extent of our power, discharged these self-imposed obligations;
this feeling is chastened also by a deep sense of gratitude, first to
God for life and power continued for so high a purpose; and next, to
our noble band of contributors, whose labors are recorded in half a
century of volumes, and in more than a quarter of a century of years.
We need not conceal our conviction, that the views expressed in these
“Introductory Remarks,” have been fully sustained by our fellow
laborers.
Should we appear to take higher ground than becomes us, we find our
vindication in the fact, that we have heralded chiefly the doings and
the fame of others. The work has indeed borne throughout “the impress”
of editorial unity of design, and much that has flowed from one pen,
and not a little from the pens of others, has been without a name. The
materials for the pile, have however been selected and brought in,
chiefly by other hands, and if the monument which has been reared
should prove to be “_aere perennius_,” the honor is not the sole
property of the architect; those who have quarried, hewn and polished
the granite and the marble, are fully entitled to the enduring record
of their names already deeply cut into the massy blocks, which
themselves have furnished.
If a retrospective survey of the labors of thirty years on this
occasion has rekindled a degree of enthusiasm, it is a natural result
of an examination of all our volumes from the contents of which we
have endeavored to make out a summary both of the laborers and their
works....
The series of volumes must ever form a work of permanent interest on
account of its exhibiting the progress of American science during the
long period which it covers. Comparing 1817 with 1847, we mark on this
subject a very gratifying change. The cultivators of science in the
United States were then few—now they are numerous. Societies and
associations of various names, for the cultivation of natural history,
have been instituted in very many of our cities and towns, and several
of them have been active and efficient in making original observations
and forming collections.
A summary follows presenting some facts as to the growth of scientific
societies and scientific collections in this country during the period
involved: Then the striking contrast between 1818 and 1847 in the matter
of organized effort toward scientific exploration is discussed, as
follows (pp. xvi _et seq._):
When we began our Journal, not one of the States had been surveyed in
relation to its geology and natural history; now those that have not
been explored are few in number. State collections and a United States
Museum hold forth many allurements to the young naturalist, as well as
to the archaeologist and the student of his own race. The late
Exploring Expedition [Wilkes] with the National Institute, has
enriched the capital with treasures rarely equalled in any country,
and the Smithsonian Institution recently organized at Washington, is
about to begin its labors for the increase and diffusion of knowledge
among men.
It must not be forgotten that the American Association of Geologists
and Naturalists—composed of individuals assembled from widely separate
portions of the Union—by the seven sessions which it has held, and by
its rich volume of reports, has produced a concentration and harmony
of effort which promise happy results, especially as, like the British
Association, it visits different towns and cities in its annual
progress.
Astronomy now lifts its exploring tubes from the observatories of many
of our institutions. Even the Ohio, which within the memory of the
oldest living men, rolled along its dark waters through interminable
forests, or received the stains of blood from deadly Indian warfare,
now beholds on one of its most beautiful hills, and near its splendid
city, a permanent observatory with a noble telescope sweeping the
heavens, by the hand of a zealous and gifted observer. At Washington
also, under the powerful patronage of the general government, an
excellent observatory has been established, and is furnished with
superior instruments, under the direction of a vigilant and well
instructed astronomer—seconded by able and zealous assistants.
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 use 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 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 results. 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 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 sympathized truth and in the
beautiful conception of our noble Agassiz—“it tells the thought of
God.”
The preface closes with some personal remarks:
In tracing back the associations of many gone-by years, a host of
thoughts rush in, and pensive remembrance of the dead who have labored
with us casts deep shadows into the vista through which we view the
past.
Anticipation of the hour of discharge, when our summons shall arrive,
gives sobriety to thought and checks the confidence which health and
continued power to act might naturally inspire, were we not reproved,
almost every day, by the death of some co-eval, co-worker, companion,
friend or patron. This very hour is saddened by such an event,—but we
will continue to labor on, and strive to be found at our post of duty,
until there is nothing more for us to do; trusting our hopes for a
future life in the hands of Him who placed us in the midst of the
splendid garniture of this lower world, and who has made not less
ample provision for another and a better.
_Editorial and financial._—The editorial labors on the Journal were
carried by the elder Silliman alone for twenty years from 1818 to 1838.
As has been clearly shown in his statements, already quoted, he was,
after the first beginning, personally responsible also for the financial
side of the enterprise. With volume =34= (1838) the name of Benjamin
Silliman, Jr., is added as co-editor on the title page. He was graduated
from Yale College the year preceding and at this date was only
twenty-one years old. His aid was unquestionably of much service from
the beginning and increased rapidly with years and experience. The elder
Silliman introduces him in the preface to vol. =34= (1838) and comes
back to the subject again in the preface to vol. =50= (1847). The whole
editorial situation is here presented as follows:
“During twenty years from the inception of this Journal, the editor
labored alone, although overtures for editorial cooperation had been
made to him by gentlemen commanding his confidence and esteem, and who
would personally have been very acceptable. It was, however, his
opinion that the unity of purpose and action so essential to the
success of such a work were best secured by individuality; but he made
every effort, and not without success, to conciliate the good will and
to secure the assistance of gentlemen eminent in particular
departments of knowledge. On the title page of No. 1, vol. =34=,
published in July, 1838, a new name is introduced: the individual to
whom it belongs having been for several years more or less concerned
in the management of the Journal, and from his education, position,
pursuits and taste, as well as from affinity, being almost identified
with the editor, he seemed to be quite a natural ally, and his
adoption into the editorship was scarcely a violation of individual
unity. His assistance has proved to be very important:—his near
relation to the senior editor prevents him from saying more, while
justice does not permit him to say less.”
As is distinctly intimated in the preceding paragraph the elder Silliman
was fortunate in obtaining the assistance in his editorial labors of
numerous gentlemen interested in the enterprise. Their cooperation
provided many of the scientific notices, book reviews and the like
contained in the Miscellany with which each number closed. It is
impossible, at this date, to render the credit due to Silliman’s helpers
or even to mention them by name. Very early Asa Gray was one of these as
occasional notes are signed by his initials. Dr. Levi Ives of New Haven
was another. Prof. J. Griscom of Paris also sent numerous contributions
even as early as 1825 (see =9=, 154, 1825; =22=, 192, 1832; =24=, 342,
1833, and others).
Some statements have already been quoted from the early volumes as to
the business part of Silliman’s enterprise. The subject is taken up more
fully in the preface to volume =50= (1847). No one can fail to marvel at
the energy and optimism required to push the Journal forward when
conditions must have been so difficult and encouragement so scanty. He
says (pp. iii, iv):
This Journal first appeared in July, 1818, and in June, 1819, the
first volume of four numbers and 448 pages was completed. This scale
of publication, originally deemed sufficient, was found inadequate to
receive all the communications, and as the receipts proved
insufficient to sustain the expenses, the work, having but three
hundred and fifty subscribers, was, at the end of the year, abandoned
by the publishers.
An unprofitable enterprise not being attractive to the trade, ten
months elapsed before another arrangement could be carried into
effect, and, therefore, No. 1 of vol. =2= was not published until
April, 1820. The new arrangement was one of mutual responsibility for
the expenses, but the Editor was constrained nevertheless to pledge
his own personal credit to obtain from a bank the funds necessary to
begin again, and from this responsibility he was, for a series of
years, seldom released. The single volume per annum being found
insufficient for the communications, two volumes a year were afterward
published, commencing with the second volume.
The publishers whose names appear on the title page of the four numbers
of the first volume are “J. Eastburn & Co., Literary Rooms, Broadway,
New York” and “Howe & Spalding, New Haven.” For the second volume and
those immediately following the corresponding statement “printed and
published by S. Converse [New Haven] for the Editor.”
Silliman adds (p. iv):
At the conclusion of vol. =10=, in February, 1826, the work was again
left upon the hands of its Editor; all its receipts had been absorbed
by the expenses, and it became necessary now to pay a heavy sum to the
retiring publisher, as an equivalent for his copies of previous
volumes, as it was deemed necessary either to control the work
entirely or to abandon it. The Editor was not willing to think of the
latter, especially as he was encouraged by public approbation, and was
cheered onward in his labors by eminent men both at home and abroad,
and he saw distinctly that the Journal was rendering service not only
to science and the arts, but to the reputation of his country. He
reflected, moreover, that in almost every valuable enterprise
perseverance in effort is necessary to success. He being now sole
proprietor, a new arrangement was made for a single year, the
publishers being at liberty, at the end of that time, to retire, and
the Editor to resume the Journal should he prefer that course.
The latter alternative he adopted, taking upon himself the entire
concern, including both the business and the editorial duties, and of
course, all the correspondence and accounts. From that time the work
has proceeded without interruption, two volumes per annum having been
published for the last twenty years; and its pecuniary claims ceased
to be onerous, although its means have never been large....
Later in the same preface he adds (p. xiv):
It may be interesting to our readers to know something of the
patronage of the Journal. It has never reached one thousand paying
subscribers, and has rarely exceeded seven or eight hundred—for many
years it fluctuated between six and seven hundred.
It has been far from paying a reasonable editorial compensation; often
it has paid nothing, and at present it does little more than pay its
bills. The number of engravings and the extra labor in printer’s
composition, cause it to be an expensive work, while its patronage is
limited.
It is difficult at this date to give any adequate statement of the
amount of encouragement and active assistance given to Silliman by his
scientific colleagues in New Haven and elsewhere—a subject earlier
alluded to. It is fortunately possible, however, to acknowledge the
generous aid received by the Journal in the early days from a source
near at hand. It has already been noted in another place that the
dawning activity of science at New Haven was recognized by the founding
of the “Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences,” formally established
at New Haven in 1799 and the third scientific body to be organized in
this country. From the beginning of the Journal in 1818, the Connecticut
Academy freely gave its support both in papers for publication and at
least on one occasion later it gave important financial aid. Upon the
occasion of the celebration of the centennial anniversary of the Academy
on October 11, 1899, Professor, later Governor, Baldwin, the president
of the Academy, discusses this subject in some detail. He says in part:
To support his [Silliman’s] undertaking, a vote had been passed in
February [1818], “that the Committee of Publication may allow such of
the Academy’s papers as they think proper, to be published in Mr.
Silliman’s Scientific Journal.”
Free use was made of this authority, and a large part of the contents
of the Journal was for many years drawn from this source. In some
cases this fact was noted in publication;[2] but in most it was
not....
In 1826, when the Journal was in great need of financial support, the
Academy further voted to pay for a year the cost of printing such of
its papers as might be published in it. In Baldwin’s Annals of Yale
College, published in 1831, it is described as a publication
“honorable to the science of our common country,” and having “an
additional value as being adopted as the acknowledged organ of the
Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences.”
Many active campaigns were carried on over the country through paid
agents to obtain new subscribers for the Journal and it was doubtless
due to these efforts that the nominal subscription list was, at times,
as already noted, relatively large as compared with that of a later
date. The new subscribers in many cases, however, did not remain
permanently interested, often failed to pay their bills, and the
uncertain and varying demand upon the supply of printed copies was
doubtless one reason why many single numbers became early out of print.
An interesting sidelight is thrown upon the efforts of Silliman to
interest the public in his work, at its beginning, by a letter to the
editor from Thomas Jefferson, then seventy-five years of age. The writer
is indebted to Mr. Robert B. Adam of Buffalo for a copy of this letter
and its interest justifies its being reproduced here entire. The letter
is as follows:
Monticello, Apr. 11. ’18.