1858-64.] INAUGURATION OF THE MUSEUM. 87 



were divided, the fbssils being in charge of special assist- 

 ants, and the living animals in charge of others. To the 

 general zoological classification was added what Agas- 

 siz called his "synoptic room," a sort of epitome of the 

 whole creation, and later fauna of special geographic 

 divisions. He even asked me to have, in a " palaeon- 

 tologic room," a resume of the succession of fauna dur- 

 ing the geological periods. After submitting a plan, 

 which I have published since in my volume, " La Sci- 

 ence en France," Paris, 1868, he was so enthusiastic 

 about my plans that he wanted at once to put them in 

 operation ; but there was no room large enough, and to 

 build a special hall for the purpose was too costly, and 

 impossible at that moment. 



His energy was constantly directed to innovations. 

 Before the arrangement was made for a new placing 

 and classification of the specimens on exhibition, he 

 changed his plan ; and this happened with him every 

 three or four months. It was impossible to keep pace 

 with his tremendous activity and his constant changes. 



Agassiz himself was so busy that after passing from 

 place to place, where his assistants and pupils were 

 working, giving advice and directions, or announcing 

 the arrival of new specimens, no time was left to him 

 to do anything else ; for every afternoon he was obliged 

 to spend in Boston in the committee rooms of the Gen- 

 eral Court to push his claims for an annual appropriation 

 for his Museum. Nevertheless, an immense amount of 

 work was done every day. Each one worked with a 

 will, for the impulse given by Agassiz was sufficient 

 to keep every one busy. 



