558 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF [1893-. 



to indispensable journals and the purchase of books absolutely needed 

 by our students has been provided for during the past year, yet with 

 the exercise of the strictest economy the amount derived from the 

 library funds has been overdrawn. It is, therefore, evident that a 

 liberal increase in the pecuniary resources of the library is needed 

 if Ave are to maintain in the future our merited reputation of having 

 the best collection of scientific works in America. Three times the 

 amount now at our disposal could readily be spent annually without 

 involving the slightest waste or extravagance. 



All the portraits of presidents and benefactors have been carefully 

 examined by a reliable expert since my last report. They have 

 been cleaned, varnished and, when necessary, as was the case in 

 several instances, rebacked with canvas. The appearance of this 

 interesting collection of paintings has thus been much improved. 



We are indebted to Mrs. Ellen M. Carpenter for a good portrait 

 in oil of Mr. Geo. W. Carpenter by whom the Academy was served 

 most efficiently as Treasurer for thirty-four consecutive years. 



An interesting oil portrait of Mr. Augustus E. Jessup, the beneficent 

 founder of the Academy's Jessup Fund, has been received from his 

 daughter Mrs. Bloomfield H. Moore, to whose intelligent liberality 

 the Academy is also deeply indebted. The painting represents Mr. 

 Jessup in early manhood and therefore differs widely from the one 

 given to the Academy by his children several years ago. The recent 

 gift formerly belonged to Peale's museum and is now hung in the 

 Librarian's room. 



I have received efficient assistance in the current work of the li- 

 brary from Mr. William J. Fox and also, during a portion of the 

 year, from Signor E. Fronani, the greater part of whose time, how- 

 ever, as will be seen by the report of the Recording Secretary, was 

 devoted to the work of another department. 



All of which is respectfully submitted. 



Edw. J. Nolan, 



Librarian. 



REPORT OF THE CURATORS. 



It has been the endeavor of the Curators throughout the year to pay 

 particular attention to the examination and renovation of the more 

 perishable collections and to the replacement in the museum of such 



