42 CARNEGIE INSTITUTION 



(c) Expense involved. In advance of an exhaustive investigation it 

 is impossible to give exact estimates for particular parts of the pro- 

 posed work ; but we are able to give an approximate estimate of the 

 minimum amount which will adequatelj' provide for the entire plan. 

 Our estimates are based on the large idea that a great unoccupied 

 field is to be provided for ; but at the same time, on the certainty 

 that with the largest sum which we could reasonably hope would 

 be appropriated, it will be necessary to administer the fund with 

 great care and economy, limiting the investigation to pressing ques- 

 tions of fruitful promise. 



At the outset a considerable Isum will be necessary for construc- 

 tion, but only a comparatively small sum can be used very wisely 

 for investigation. As the central laboratory approaches comple- 

 tion, the building expenses will be greatly decreased, but the com- 

 pensation for investigators and the maintenance of the laboratories 

 will necessarily be greatly increased. By proper administration the 

 projects here iproposed may be carried out hy a uniform annual 

 expenditure . 



On the supposition that a system of building by units, as else- 

 where stated, is adopted, it is estimated that each unit would cost 

 from $100,000 to $125,000, and its initial equipment from $12,000 

 to $15,000. It is thought that three units should be erected dur- 

 ing the first five years, and two additional during the next five years. 

 It is estimated that salaries and maintenance, including current 

 cost of experimentation, books, printing, heating, lighting, etc., 

 should rise from $25,000 or $35,000 the first year to the maximum 

 available, which ought to; reach $150,000 within the first ten years, 

 to be commensurate with the needs of the field. 



An appropriation of $150,000 per year would develop and carry 

 forward the work in a very advantageous manner. 



The development of the plan could be somewhat slower than con- 

 templated in these estimates by adding units to the building at 

 greater intervals, which would carry with it a slower increment in 

 the staff and in the cost of maintenance, with, of course, a slower 

 realization of results. 



The expense of special laboratories can only be determined as the 

 occasion for them shall be developed. So far as existing labora- 

 tories and stations can be utilized, modest auxiliary allotments will 

 usually suffice. 



Estimate of cost of laboratories and running expenses per annum, 

 $150,000. 



