EEPOET OP NATIONAL MUSEUM^ 1915. 75 



making the models and gathering the products. The character of 

 exhibit for each of the mineral classes was worked out in advance, 

 so far as that was possible, and the position and amount of space avail- 

 able for each was at least approximately determined. The definite 

 plans have followed in such order as the circumstances warranted, 

 and have been given consideration in conjunction with the leading 

 mining and manufacturing companies on whom dependence must be 

 had for their realization. Several companies have already contributed 

 models, while others have furnished designs and descriptions as a 

 basis for their construction in the workshop of the division, and all 

 who have so far lent their assistance have generously supplied other 

 materials needed for the exhibits. It is not to be understood that 

 the work has been advanced to the extent of giving even an appre- 

 ciable appearance of completeness to any of the halls, except that 

 devoted to the subject of coal, but very much was accomplished dur- 

 ing last year, and the plans that have been formulated will hence- 

 forward be more in evidence through more frequent additions to the 

 collections in the immediate and near future. 



Any original investigations that might be instituted have been 

 deferred, pending the accomplishment of the main purpose of the 

 division, but a careful study of each industry as to its historic and 

 current phases has preceded the planning of each exhibit, with the 

 twofold objective of making the exhibit adequately representative 

 and of incorporating in a series of bulletins the features brought out 

 in the series. The plans for the development of the division are, in 

 one direction, embodied in the exhibits already installed, and broadly 

 considered involve for each industry: First, a representation of 

 the industry in the form of models, reproducing in miniature the 

 original occurrence of the mineral substance treated, and the gen- 

 eral procedure followed in extracting it from the earth and preparing 

 it for its various uses ; second, a systematic series of specimens exem- 

 plifying the natural occurrence, the various stages passed through 

 in the course of the processes shown in the model reproduction, and 

 the range of industrial products, together with their adaptabilities; 

 and third, the issuance of brief educational bulletins with illustra- 

 tions taken from the models and text from the labels, for the use of 

 schools and for the purpose of extending the advantages of the ex- 

 hibit to the great body of the public unable to visit the collections. 



Public opinion of mining and metallurgical engineering, which is 

 not of the best, is largely influenced by the shortcomings of an indi- 

 vidual and fails to realize to what extent general prosperity and 

 comfort is dependent upon the results of these professions. It does 

 not appreciate the enormity of the obstacles overcome in the paths, 

 for instance, between the coal seam and the household cellar, nor 

 whether it is paying enormously high or exorbitantly little for each 



