EEPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1913. 33 



1884-S5, was added to by the purchase of the Leidy collection of gems 

 in 1894, and was later very materially increased through the acquisi- 

 tion, by bequest, of the important collection of Dr. Isaac Lea, of 

 Philadelphia. Since then its growth has been fairly rapid and sys- 

 tematic, owLQg largely to the generous cooperation of the late Rev. Dr. 

 L. T. Chamberlam, son-in-law of Dr. Lea and an honorary associate 

 of the Museum. The collection is installed in a series of flat-top 

 cases, of new and exceptionally pleasing pattern, which extends 

 through the center of the hall. It bears the same relation to the 

 systematic collection of minerals as does the collection of building 

 and ornamental stones to that of systematic geology, and has naturally 

 proved to be one of the most popular of all the exhibits. An effort 

 has been made to represent all the more common gems and precious 

 stones with special reference to those occurring in North America. 

 The specimens are largely in cut and pohshed form, ready for use. In 

 extending the exhibit it is planned, so far as possible, to show the 

 unworked material side by side with the cut, in order that the pubHc 

 may become acquainted with the appearance of the different varieties 

 in their natural state. It is also intended to give special attention to 

 the possible utilization for ornamental j^mposes of certain stones 

 which are in themselves of Uttle commercial value, and this has 

 already been done to good advantage in a series of cabochons cut 

 from fossil wood. Among the more unique and striking specimens 

 in the collection are a large, rich green, briUiant cut tourmaline 

 weighing 57|- carats, from Paris, Me.; sapphires and rubies from the 

 now abandoned Jenls corundum mine in North CaroKna; a 15-carat 

 cut emerald from Portland, Conn.; and a series of cut hiddenites 

 from Alexander County, N. C. 



As introductory to and grading into the province of economic geol- 

 ogy, there is installed at the outer end of the hall a selected series of 

 the rocks and minerals from the diamond mines of South Africa, the 

 gift of Mr. Gardner F. Wilhams, and another of gold nuggets and 

 crystals, each displayed in a single case. The large copper bowlder 

 above referred to is also placed here. 



Applied geology. — The space devoted to economic or applied geology 

 is the north hall and outer end of the east wing in the second story, 

 amounting to 10,585 square feet. The classification is here also in 

 three series, first, the metalHc ores, such as those of gold, silver, copper, 

 etc.; second, the nonmetalHc minerals; and, third, the building and 

 ornamental stones. The metallic and nonmetalHc exhibits are con- 

 tained in 5 double and 10 single-unit upright floor cases and 15 

 American cases. They are planned to show, as far as possible, typical 

 material with reference to both geological and geographical distribu- 

 tion, and, as at present installed, they are believed to be second to none 

 in the country in completeness and systematic arrangement. 



