THE GIFT OF BARNEY MEMORIAL SCIENCE HALL. 



Early in the nineties, it became evident that the pioneer labors 

 of Professor Osbun of the department of Physics and Chemistry and 

 Professor C. L. Herrick of the department of Natural History, were 

 bringing forth abundant fruit and that the scientific departments of 

 the University were displaying a new life and energy. This was 

 seen in many things, but especially in the large number of students 

 who sought the courses in science. Hitherto the number of scientific 

 students was relatively small. Now they were increasing on every 

 hand. Indeed, so rapid was this growth that it overtaxed the ecjuip- 

 ment and became a source of embarrassment to the professors. For a 

 certain laboratory capable of accommodating twenty students, there 

 were fifty applicants. Every thing became over-crowded and the neces- 

 sity for a new Science Hall became apparent. The matter was laid 

 before the Trustees and a committee was appointed to solicit funds for 

 the erection of a suitable building. This committee did some valuable 

 work, but results were not readily reached. 



The commencement of 1892 drew near, and still there was no 

 provision for the building. Early in May of this year, the president of 

 the University presented the facts of the case to Mr. E. J. Barney, of 

 Dayton, and asked his advice. He at once advised that a competent 

 architect be sought and preliminary sketches of such a building as 

 was needed be prepared and presented to the Trustees at their ap- 

 proaching meeting in June. Messrs. Peters and Burns, architects, of 

 Dayton, O., were engaged to prepare the work as suggested. This 

 was all that was known at that time of Mr. Barney's generous designs. 

 Commencement time came, and still there was no provision for the 

 much needed building. At the annual meeting of the Trustees there 

 was a general feeling of anxiety because of the situation. But Mr. 

 Barney greatly relieved and gratified the Board by coming forward with 

 a generous offer of $40,000 for the erection of a Science Hall. The 

 offer was promptly accepted and a Building Committee ai^pointed to 



