史密森学会早期史探寻

A Study on the Early History of Smithsonian Institution

史密森学会来自于史密森的私人捐赠。学会的成立,对19世纪美国科学的发展起到了特殊贡献,而这一点与首任会长约瑟夫·亨利密不可分,是他奠定了学会的方向和运行原则。史密森学会的早期史表明,科学,在坚持自主性的同时,需要与政府及社会保持良性的互动,由此才可以实现科学事业的健康和可持续发展。

The Smithsonian Institution was established with funds from James Smithson. Once established, the Smithsonian has made particular contribution to the developing of American science in 19 th century, which was owed to Joseph Henry. As the first Secretary of Smithsonian, he laid the foundation of the direction and operation principle of it. The early history of Smithsonian indicates that both autonomy and the benign interaction between government and society are indispensable for the healthy and sustainable development of science.