James Smithson, whose bequest led to the establishment in the mid-19th century of the American institution that now bears his name, famously stated in his will that funds should be used for the “increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.” This seemingly vague request is rooted in Enlightenment philosophy, the desire to create order and <a href="http://blog.library.si.edu/2015/07/encyclopedie/#more-'" class="more-link">more »</a>
