1880.] NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 403 



Although the museum is deficient in many of its departments, 

 it is remarkably sufficient in some, and as a whole is very exten- 

 sive, and in every sense very valuable. The unequal development 

 or growth of the several departments is ascribable to the depend- 

 ence of the collections for increase on donations exclusively, and 

 the want of money to purchase desiderata, and not to indifference 

 or ignorance of those to whom the immediate care of the museum 

 is confided. 



At this time the library as a whole, though not complete, is 

 perhaps the best collection of works on natural history in this 

 country, and the Library Fund, given by Mr. I. V. Williamson, 

 provides liberall}' for its increase. 



The opportunity for self-culture to be found now in the museum 

 and library, with all their deficiencies, is a result of the generosity, 

 goodwill, industry and benevolence of very many members and 

 friends of the Society. Some expert naturalists may disparage 

 this opportunity of self-culture, such as it is, and take pleasure in 

 pointing out its defects and deficiencies, but those just entering 

 the field, as well as those not yet proficient will find it fully suf- 

 ficient for their use and worthy of cordial approbation. 



Objection has been made to the regulation which restricts the 

 use of specimens and books to the premises of the Academy, sug- 

 gesting that study would be very much facilitated by loaning speci- 

 mens and books to members, especially to those who are advanced 

 students and experts. The answer is that the loan of specimens 

 and books, which may be regarded as a luxury rather than as a 

 necessity to students, would somewhat facilitate the work of one 

 borrower, but while they w-ere in his possession the studies of 

 several persons having occasion to consult the same specimens 

 and books might be much retarded or hindered. Besides, loaning 

 books and specimens increases the chance of their loss and injury. 

 After ample experience in the practice of loaning, and due con- 

 sideration of the whole question, the Academj'^ adopted the exist- 

 ing regulation of loaning specimens only on a recommendation of 

 a majority of the curators, approved by a vote of the Academj- ; 

 and by prohibiting the circulation of books, has made the library 

 a librar}' of reference exclusively. It is confidently believed that 

 the common interests of all concerned are best served b}' strict 

 adherence to this practice. It promises " the greatest good to 

 the greatest number" of those who have occasion to examine 



