1881.] NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 493 



to rel}^ upon occasional donations and exchanges for the supply 

 of newly-discovered species. A museum which does not ever 

 reflect the current state of knowledge misses its highest aim, and 

 may become as valueless for progress as a library composed of 

 books written several generations ago. 



"Authentic or carefully identified specimens of known species 

 are much more necessary to the student than books. Figures and 

 descriptions, however carefully drawn, can only convey to him a 

 portion of the significance of the specimens. Books are, of course, 

 necessary implements of study, but to derive our knowledge of 

 zoological characters from them exclusively is to receive at second 

 hand the impression which natural objects have made upon other 

 minds, a condition which almost precludes safe progress in 

 zoological discovery. Through several wise benefactions, the 

 library of the Academy has become the most important librar3^ of 

 natural science in America, and means have been provided for its 

 continuous growth; but the Museum has always depended upon 

 fitful generosity exclusively ; no intelligent direction has been 

 given to its increase, simply for want of money. In no other 

 department of the Museum do we suffer more for the want of 

 purchasing power than in that of Conchology. Ten j^ears ago our 

 collection had become, by a succession of favorable circumstances, 

 so complete that it was consulted by students as a standard 

 authority. Its reputation still exists, but with each succeeding 

 year it is less deserved, for few of the rich collections constantly 

 being made in regions new to zoological research find their way 

 into our cases. A fund yielding a few hundred dollars per annum 

 would suffice to maintain, perhaps to increase, the value of our 

 Conchological Museum, A gift for this purpose would, it is 

 believed, be a good investment, productive in the best sense. 



The Museum of Recent Conchology now contains 139,592 

 specimens, mounted in 39,501 trays. The species are named 

 throughout, with rare exceptions, and are all accessible to 

 students." 



There have been no changes made in the By-Laws of the Section, 

 and the officers of last year have been re-elected. 

 Respectfully submitted by 



S. Raymond Roberts, 



Iieco7'der. 



