CHICAGO ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, THE, an insti tution organized at Chicago, Ill., on Jan. 13, 1857, "to promote and diffuse scientific knowledge," and one of the oldest scholarly bodies existing in Illinois. The collections of the academy, con sidered at the time among the most valuable in America, were in the Chicago fire of 1871.
With the erection of the new building in Lincoln park in 1893 by Mathew Laflin, a new impetus was given to the estab lishment of a fine scientific museum. All efforts are being con centrated on exhibits, which are open daily to the public, featuring the wild life, flora and physical characteristics of the Chicago region. When more space becomes available, it is planned to expand the scope of the museum to include all of North America. The academy possesses the Atwood Celestial Sphere and the Chanute aeroplane models. The academy also maintains a library for children, and conducts researches and issues publications directed especially toward a natural history survey of Chicago and vicinity.
Lecture courses are carried on throughout the year, and the academy serves as a meeting place for various societies of Chi cago, interested in science and conservation.
The academy is financed through memberships and endowment funds, plus a regular contribution from the Lincoln park commis sioners.