and Laboratory Methods. 



2119 



large objects and upright shelved cases, unless supplemented by side lights, it is 

 objectionable. 



The device is adopted of allowing a flood of light to descend through a broad 

 skylight for two or more stories illuminating a basement floor, and a series of 

 wall galleries (Natural History Museum, London ; Jardin des Plantes, Paris), 

 but it cannot be recommended. The subterranean effect, sometimes the black 

 shadows, the lack of nuance, the loss of morning and afternoon lights, make this 

 system extremely unfortunate, uncomfortable and depressing. 



H 



o I 



ry^~%^ 



s 



Fig. 9. 



A very tantalizing result of total reflexion occurs also with skylights, unless 

 properly obviated, whereby the glass of flat cases, exposed beneath them, 

 becomes the mirrors of the roof, and reflections of gratings or sashes are dis- 

 tractingly mingled with the view of shells and minerals. 



The position of the museum building may be considered in this section of 

 the exterior, and remarks made by the author elsewhere (The Making of a Mu- 

 seum) retained. 



The museum building should be placed in this latitude, and generally north 

 and south, so that morning and afternoon light could enter it. Its width should 



