The Marine Society was established chiefly with a view to provide a fund for charitable purposes, but to mariners, the want of an Institution, whose views should be more particularly directed to the promotion of nautical science, had long been felt; it was not, however, until the year eighteen hundred and twenty, that, by the active exertions of Captain Wm. Hamilton, and others, the present Institution was founded. It has not only surpassed the warmest anticipations of its early friends, but affords an example which ought to be imitated in every sea-port.

The object of this Institution is to excite and promote useful improvements in every branch of nautical science, and, by creating a fund to be enabled to give efficiency to such discoveries and improvements as may appear worthy of countenance, whilst an association of men, skilled in the higher branches of science, it was thought, would not only give currency to the subjects of their research or examination, but create a stimulus in others whose acquirements were less distinguished, in order to enable them to gain admittance into the Society.

The records of the Institution will prove the benefits which have already resulted from the efforts of its members, and they afford a flattering promise of what may hereafter be expected from it.

At the commencement of the Institution sixteen of the most respectable Shipmasters of the Port formed the number which composed the Society; at the present period the Books shew the names of one hundred and ninety Members and fifty Honorary Members, - the greater portion of the former are men commanding vessels, employed in Commerce, to every part of the Globe, many of them are distinguished for Mathematical and Scientific acquirements, and all are animated by an earnest desire to promote every branch connected in the remotest degree with the Science of Navigation. The acquirements necessary to gain admittance as a Member of the Institution have produced an emulation among the Commanders of our Merchant Vessels generally, and the circumstance of being an Associate, has no inconsiderable influence now, (and hereafter it will no doubt have more) in giving additional weight to the character of those who are Members.

Combined with the encouragement of scientific research, it is intended to appropriate a part of the Funds to deeds of Charity, - a virtue which has ever characterised the Sons of the Ocean.

The Design of the Plate which composes this Certificate is allegorical of the objects of the Society.

OFFICERS OF THE NEW YORK NAUTICAL INSTITUTION FOR 1825.

OFFICERS FOR 1826.

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Transcribed from the original text and html prepared by Bill Carr, last updated 5/21/99.