352 BULLETI]Sr 109, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 



were so similar in different nnd 8uccessi\ e groups, it vvtis impossible 

 to give descriptive, names which would discriminate one from the 

 other. Local names, as Potsdam sandstone, Trenton limestone, 

 Niagara limestone, etc., were therefore adopted. 



This method or system of nomenclature left no probability of 

 mistake or confusion which might arise from a different appreciation 

 of descriptive terms, since the tj-pical locality as indicated bj^ the 

 name always remained for study and reference. The progress of 

 geological science in the country had been under great indebtedness 

 to this system of nomenclature. 



Referring to the cost of the survey, Hall says : 



The value of tlie results is sometimes estimated by a similar standard — thnt 

 is. by dollars— but tlie people of tbe State of New York might with equal pro- 

 priety measure the value of the common-school system by the commercial value 

 of their schoolhouses and grounds. The absurdity would be equally as great in 

 the one as in the other. Like the system of public education, the results of the 

 geological survey have penetrated into every school district and into every corner 

 of the State, and these results are not to be measured by the figures representing 

 dollars, but by the increased intelligence of the people and the proud satisfaction 

 that we have been able to lay broad and deep foundations of geological science 

 in the soil of a people whose motto is " Excelsior." * 



State museum. — In his report for 1836 relating to the establish- 

 ment of the survey, the secretary of state called attention to a peti- 

 tion by the Albany Institute in 1834 asking State aid in forming 

 " a grand and comprehensive collection of the initural productions 

 of the State of New York to exhibit at one view and under one roof 

 its animal and mineral wealth.'' He did not, however, recommend 

 that such an arrangement be entered into with the institute, but 

 rather that rooms on the third floor of the rapitol building be pre- 

 pared for the exhibition of the collections. This arrangement, how- 

 ever, proved inadequate, and in his message to the legislature, dated 

 February 27, 1839, Governor Seward wrote as follows : 



It ought to be known to the legislature that the collections of specimens will 

 far exceed in number and value the expectations indulged at the time of the pas- 

 sage of the act and can not be profitably nor conveniently deposited in the State 

 Library or in any apartments in the capitol which can be appropriated for that 

 purpose. The whole collection will form a museum of the highest scientific 

 interest. Unless suitable arrangements are nnide for its preservation and ex- 

 hibition the benefits of the survey will be in a great measure lost. 



Later (in 1840), in response to a memorial from the geologists 

 urging the importance of providing suitable rooms or a separate 

 building for the collections made during the survey. Governor 

 Seward recommended that the old state hall be thus utilized. Tliis 

 was provided for by the act of April 12, 1842. 



» Popular Science Monthly, vol. 22. 1882-83. 



