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National Geographic : 1960 Jun
Contents
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION James Smithson, an Englishman, penned one of history's most unusual wills in 1826 when he left his fortune of half a million dollars to the United States "to found . . an establishment for the increase & dif fusion of Knowledge among men." Despite his wealth, and prestige earned for research in chemistry and mineralogy, Smithson died a lonely, unhappy man. The artist shows him as an Oxford student. Author Leonard Carmichael is seventh in a line of scientists to be Secretary of the Institution founded by Smithson's be quest. Today's extensive renovations are swiftly turning "the Nation's attic" into the Nation's showcase, bringing floods of vis itors and gifts. Statue of Joseph Henry, first Secretary of the Smithsonian, stands between the headquarters building (fore ground) and the domed Natural History Building. James Smithson lies in a tomb just off this vestibule. HS EKTACHROME BY NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHER B. ANTHONY STEWART © N.G.S. 800 ^^ ^ ^ ^ ^^^/^'- * ^^^^<- r^ ^ ~~as~ ^^C^ ^ ^^^^^; ^-^^-^"^ ^^ 800
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