PRESIDENT GILMAN'S SUMMARY OF THE PLANS AND METHODS OF THE CARNEGIE INSTITUTION.
As a convenient summary of the plans and methods thus far agreed upon the following minute is approved:
The methods of administration of the Carnegie Institution thus far developed are general rather than specific.
The encouragement of any branch of science comes within the possible scope of this foundation, but as the fund, munificient as it is, is inadequate to meet the requests for aid already presented, not to mention others which are foreseen though not yet formulated, attention has been concentrated upon a selection of those objects which, at this time and in our country, seem to require immediate assistance.
Efforts have been and will be made to secure cooperation with other agencies established for the advancement of knowledge, while care will be exercised to refrain from interference or rivalry with them. Accordingly, ground already occupied will be avoided. For example, if medical research is provided for by other agencies, as it appears to be, the Carnegie Institution will not enter that i field. Systematic education, abundantly provided for in this country by universities, colleges, professional schools, and schools of technology, will not be undertaken. Nor will the assistance of meritorious students in the early stages of their studies come within the scope of this foundation. Sites or buildings for other institutions will not be provided.
Specific grants have been and will be made, for definite purposes, to individual investigators, young or old, of marked ability, and for assistance, books, instruments, apparatus and materials. It is understood that such purchases are the property of the Carnegie Institution and subject to its
control. The persons thus aided will be expected to report upon the methods followed and the results obtained. In the publication of results it is expected that the writer will say that he was aided by the Carnegie Institution of Washington, unless it be requested that this fact be not made known.
In order to carry out the founder's instructions in respect to bringing to Washington highly qualified persons who wish to profit by the opportunities for observation and research afforded by the various scientific bureaus of the United States Government, a certain sum is set apart for this purpose.
In addition, the Carnegie Institution will appoint from time to time a number of persons to be known as research assistants, who may or may not reside in Washington, and who shall undertake to carry on such special investigations as may be entrusted to them by the institution. The appointments will be made for a year, and may be renewed in any case where it seems desirable. Permission may be given to go abroad, if special advantages not accessible in this country can thus be secured.
Publication is regarded by the founder as of special importance. Accordingly, appropriations will be made for this purpose, especially for the printing of papers of acknowledged importance, so abstruse, so extended or so costly that without the aid of this fund they may not see the light.
With respect to certain large undertakings involving much expense, which have been or may be suggested, careful preliminary inquiries have been and will be made.
In order to secure the counsel of experts in various departments of knowledge, special advisers have been and will be invited from time to time for consultation. Valuable suggestions and counsel have already been received from such advisers.
