The American Journal of Science and Arts.

THE annexed prospectus is presented to the friends of science, and their aid is respectfully solicited, in promoting its interests so far as they may be thought to be connected with this Journal.

Since the 13th volume, its patronage, has been more than sufficient to pay the expenses, but to insure the stability and usefulness of the work requires renewed efforts, on the part of its editor.

As even England had no Journal of Science till about the beginning of the present century, it is cheering to remember, that the first attempts in this country, made only a few years later, have been, thus far, sustained by the public. Still, every periodical work must, occasionally, recruit its number of subscribers, or it will fall into jeopardy. The American Journal is not yet in immediate danger, but, its subscription is far too limited to do all the good of which it is capable; and after a gradual decline, since 1829, it would be happy if it could be again increased as it was in that year. simple expedient then adopted, was, for each subscriber to obtain one subscriber more, and in this manner the subscription was soon doubled.

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In this country, such a work, involving peculiar difficulties, can neither be got up, nor sustained, without great effort and perseverance. Avoiding local, personal, party and sectarian interests and prejudices, it thus entirely foregoes the support afforded by popular feeling, and therefore relies, as it has a full right to do, solely upon intelligent, the patriotic, the philanthropic, and the interested.

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It is worse than useless, to resort to indiscriminate solicitations. Subscriptions, obtained in that manner, will not continue long, and will produce only a delusive expectation of support, and a certain increase of expense. Such persons therefore, and such only, should be addressed, as, from their considerate and correct estimation of the value of useful knowledge, or from their interests and taste, will probably become permanent patrons.

In 1810, 11 and 12, the late Dr. Bruce, of New York, published his Journal of Mineralogy and Geology in one volume of four numbers. The American Journal, was however, the first, that in this country, embraced in its plan, the entire circle of the Physical Sciences, and their applications to the arts. It was begun in July, 1818, and has completed its twenty fifth volume.

While it has prompted original American efforts it has been sustained by them, and being devoted to important national interests, in a great measure common also to all mankind, it is, in that character, known and accredited, both at home and abroad. It has elicited many valuable researches and discoveries, and its miscellaneous department has presented a great variety of topics, of general interest. The Foreign Journals, (many of them sent in exchange,) often quote from its pages, which are in turn, enriched by theirs; and it has thus, become identified with the science and arts of the present day.

Terms.-For four quarterly Nos., of not less than 200 pages each, fully illustrated by plates, making, together, two annual volumes, of at least 800 pages; six dollars-in advance.

The quarterly literary journals, escape the heavy expense incurred by this, for plates; and as they enjoy, from obvious causes, a far more extended circulation, they can be much better afforded at $5 per ann. than this at $6. With its present patronage, this Journal could not be sustained at five dollars, as the actual receipts would not pay for the paper and the mechanical labor.

Complete sets, at a proper discount, are furnished, to order, in Nos. or bound. Postage is to be paid on all orders and remittances, but not on communications. Postmasters are occasionally patrons of the Journal, when of course their communications are franked.

A number is sent gratis, as a sample, when requested. Names may be lodged with any of the agents, or sent to the Editor or publishers, and the work may be obtained through all booksellers.

A compensation of one third will be allowed to all persons obtaining subscribers who pay the first year's subscription in advance; and agents and booksellers can, if they choose, retain upon their own books, the names which they may procure; due notice being given to the Editor.

For single subscribers, the mail is, decidedly, the best mode of conveyance: the postage is about that of a twice weekly newspaper, that is from $1.10 to $1.32 per annum.