Report of the
Committee on the Design for a Seal
In preparing a design for a seal your Committee has consulted
with Dr. Davis, the President; Dr. Miller, the Secretary, and with Dr.
Ivey F. Lewis. Each of these has made valuable suggestions.
The seal is, therefore, a composite of the ideas of several members. It
is hoped that the designation of Clayton, Jefferson, Maury, and Reed as
notable representatives of science in Virginia will meet with the approval
of the Academy. The motto, "Ignorantia supremus tyrannus," indirectly expresses
"Death to ignorance," because the Virginia State seal means "Death to tyrants,"
and the Virginia Academy seal says "Ignorance is the greatest tyrant."
The State flower, the Dogwood, in bloom and in bud, is represented also
on the seal. The Committee is indebted to Dr.Herbert Lipscomb, of Randolph-Macon
Woman's College for advice and suggestion in regard to the Latin inscription
for the motto, and is also indebted to Miss Beatrice Sellevold, Instructor
of Fine Arts at William and Mary College, for drawing the design.
Respectfully submitted,
E.G. SWEM,
Chairman
May 4th, 1928