Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 62.djvu/424

418 spiritual forces for the advance of knowledge in its highest development and power. It does not busy itself with the instruction of youth but with protecting and stimulating men of learning. It is a sort of judgment seat to which scientific attainments are brought and at which their real value is appraised."

Though hesitating so long over the establishment of an academy, having permitted its organization, the government did not fail to favor it in every possible way and to provide handsomely for its support. Rooms were set aside for its sessions and its work, in the Polytechnic Institute. Since 1857, it has had a home of its own in a building long used as barracks for soldiers, but designed, according to tradition, by the Empress Maria Theresa for the academy which she herself intended to found. Here the general secretary resides, and as the building is very large, several scientific societies have courteously been granted shelter. The correspondence of the members of the academy within the realm goes free. Save in the summer months, sessions are held every week and, with the exception of a single meeting each month, the different sections of the academy meet by themselves. The proceedings of the meetings fill many volumes and form a collection of scientific, historical, philosophical and archeological papers of almost inestimable value. Twenty-four active members now reside in Vienna. Strangers properly introduced are permitted to attend the sessions of the academy, though none of these sessions are open to women.

The means at the disposal of the academy, though they cannot be given with absolute accuracy, are for an institution of the kind quite large. They make it clear that its members have the confidence of the public and that the work they are doing appeals to men of wealth and lovers of learning. From the sale of an almanac which contains brief reports of the proceedings of the academy the profits are not inconsiderable. Extraordinary grants from the government and gifts from rich men have from time to time been made for special purposes. That infirm officers of the academy may receive pensions, since 1898 the government has given 50,000 gulden annually, instead of the 40,000 previously received. To this sum are added 20,000 gulden for printing, and 7,000 gulden to each class for pressing needs. Property left to the academy for prizes, or to be used in any way which in the judgment of its members will increase knowledge and promote its diffusion, now produces a large income. Since 1890, Prince John of Lichtenstein has given 5,000 gulden annually for excavations in Asia Minor, and since 1900 has doubled the amount.

Experience has convinced the academy that the giving of prizes is not the best way to use money. Only such are awarded as are made necessary by the terms of a bequest. The offer of prizes, it is affirmed, only stimulates a man who has work in hand to complete it, but rarely