72 REPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1897. 



them; the gradual establishment of a complete collectiou of historical apparatus 

 showing the development of the art of generating electricity and its application to 

 various scientific and industrial purposes, such as telegraphy, telephony, electric 

 lighting, power, heat, etc. ; the preparation of a series of models of epoch-making 

 apparatus illustrating the more important discoveries in electrical science, com- 

 mencing with the voltaic pile and continuing down to the intensity magnet of 

 Henry. 



Two hundred and fifty-three specimens have been received, the total 

 number in the collection being 395. There were 276 entries in the 

 catalogue. 



The additions to the collection of naval architecture show an increase 

 in value over the specimens received in the preceding year. A small 

 pamphlet entitled A Treatise on the Application of Steam, by James 

 Eumsey, published in 1788, constitutes the most important accession. 

 This was presented by Thomas Eumsey. A model of the ship America, 

 in which all the sails and imijortant parts — about 425 in number — are 

 labeled, was constructed and sent to Kashville for exhibition at the 

 Tennessee Centennial Exposition. A model of the ship R. F. Stocl-ton, 

 the first steamboat with an iron hull and also the first steamboat with 

 a screw propeller to cross the Atlantic, was built and placed on exhi- 

 bition in the Museum. 



The collection of naval models is not fully labeled, but it is hoj)ed 

 that arrangements may be soon made for having this work done. The 

 wall-cases in the exhibition hall have been enlarged, rendering possible 

 the better arrangement of the models. Although no study series 

 exists, the needs of the student have been considered in the arrange- 

 ment of the exhibition series, and they will also be considered in the 

 preparation of the labels. Many of the models are in need of repairs, 

 and this matter will also receive attention. It is proposed to complete 

 the series, so far as the means at command will allow. 



Five specimens were received during the year, involving the same 

 number of catalogue entries. The total number of specimens in the 

 collection is estimated at 1,336. 



There have been no additions during the year to the collection of 

 textiles. A large number of unit boxes have been overhauled and a 

 tentative exhibit arranged. As soon as the galleries are completed, it 

 is hoped that an opportunity will be afforded to permanently arrange 

 the exhibition series. Labels should also be provided and the gaps 

 filled, as far as possible, with material now in storage. The study 

 series requires attention as well. 



A tentative arrangement of the exhibition series of the collection of 

 animal products has also been effected. It is hoped that considerable 

 progress may be made during the coming year both with the exhibition 

 and the study series. 



The collection of physical apparatus, formerly in charge of Mr. W. 

 C. Winlock, has been placed in the care of Mr. Watkins, but it has 

 not yet been possible to give the collection the attention which it 

 deserves. 



