IQ REPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1896. 



The books are still deposited cliietly in the Capitol, but though their 

 number has been so largely increased year by year, now forming one 

 of the most valuable collections of the kind in existence, they not only 

 remain unbound, but in a far more crowded and inaccessible condition 

 than they were before the transfer, a condition of affairs which, it is 

 hoi)ed, will soon be remedied. 



The purchasing power of the publications of the Institution, when 

 offered in exchange, is far greater than that of money, and its benetit 

 is exerted chietly in behalf of the National Library, and also to a con- 

 siderable extent in behalf of the ]Srational Museum. 



Tlie amount expended during the past forty years from the private 

 fund of the Institution, in the publication of books for gratuitous dis- 

 tribution, has been fully half as much as the original Smithson bequest. 



These publications have had their influence for good in many ways; 

 but, in addition to this, a library much more than equal in value to the 

 outlay has, through their buying power, come into the possession of 

 the nation. 



In addition to all this, a large amount of material has been acquired 

 for the Museum by direct expenditure from the private fund of the 

 Smithsonian Institution. The value of the collections thus acquired is 

 estimated to be more than equal to the whole amount of the Smithson 

 bequest. 



The early history of the Museum was much like that of the library. 

 It was not until 1858 that it became the authorized depository of the 

 scientific collections of the Government, and it was not until after 1876 

 that it was officially recognized as the IS'ational Museum of the United 

 States. 



But for the provident forethought of the Smithsonian Institution, 

 the Ignited States would probably still be without a reputable nucleus 

 for a national museum. 



The relations of the Museum to the system of popular lectures, for 

 many years established in Washington, which replaces the old Smith- 

 sonian courses, once so influential, and the assistance which it affords 

 each year to students of science, are referred to elsewhere in this 

 report. 



The Institution publishes many circulars giving information on scien- 

 tific sjibjects, which are distributed gratuitously to those who write to 

 make in(|uiries, and this system is being continually extended. In addi- 

 tion to this, a large correspondence is carried on with people in search of 

 information on scientific topics. Probably not less than 7,500 letters a 

 year go out to people who write seeking to know the name of some object 

 or other scientific fact. Inquiries of this kind are always answered 

 promptly and fully; and frequently, to intelligent inquirers, books are 

 sent which will eiiaule them to find out such names for themselves in 

 futun>. Tins work has not only an educational value, but often a great 

 economic importance as well, as, for instance, when som.- common min- 



