REPORT ON THE DIVISION OF HISTORY. 

 By T. T. Belote, Curator. 



COMPAEISON OF INCBEMKNT OF SPECIMENS OF 1922-23 WITH THAT OF 1921-22. 



The additions to the historical collections received during the past 

 fiscal year exceed in size and in scientific importance those received 

 during the previous year. While the number of accessions received 

 during the past year is somewhat smaller than that of the previous 

 year, the number of specimens covered by these accessions is much 

 larger than those covered by the accessions of the previous year, and 

 the accessions of the past year represent compact scientific units of 

 the very greatest importance. 



ACCESSIONS DESERVING SPECIAL NOTICE. 



The fiscal year just past has been one of most exceptional impor- 

 tance so far as the scientific development of the historical collections 

 is concerned. Three accessions alone, received during this period, 

 on account of their size and importance would justify this statement. 

 These were, first, a collection of antiquarian materials bequeathed 

 to the Museum by Mrs. Julian- James ; second, a collection of military 

 materials transferred from the Military Service Institution of the 

 United States; and finally, the collection of numismatic material 

 formerly exhibited at the United States Mint in Phiadelphia, which 

 was transferred from the Treasury Department. These may now be 

 described in the order mentioned together with other related acces- 

 sions. 



The Julian-James collection, it is true, has been in the possession 

 of the Museum for a number of years as a loan, but its bequest as a 

 permanency is deserving of more than casual notice. The materials 

 of which it is composed were collected by Mrs. Julian- James of 

 Washington, D. C, and New York City, and deposited by her in the 

 Museum from time to time during the period, 1900-1921. Originally 

 the collection was confined to objects primarily of art or antiquarian 

 interest connected with the various members of the Bailey-Myers- 

 Mason family, many of whom had attained high rank in the military, 

 naval, or diplomatic service of the United States. In 1912, Mrs. 

 James undertook to supplement the collection of this character 

 with a variety of materials representing the history of costume 



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