2264 



Journal of Applied Microscopy 



position of the gallery floor at a lower level, as in the New York museum, is to 

 be preferred, as it allows an extra exhibition floor, and permits the use of the 

 top floor for offices, laboratories, etc. The Chicago Academy of Science posses- 

 ses an admirable building, well illuminated, with an interior most intelligently 

 equipped, and it can be readily admitted that it conforms generally to ideal 

 standards. 



The construction of the museum building demands the most advanced safe- 

 guards against fire. This need hardly be insisted on. The melancholy recol- 

 lection of the fires which destroyed two collections of the Academy of Science, 



Pig. -I^. —Vertical Section through Academy of Sciences, Chicago. 



and that of the New York Academy, the fires which destroy the art treasures of 

 private collectors, emphasize the recurrent need of enjoining upon builders of 

 museums extreme caution.^ 



In this connection the only suggestion that is paramount, is the use of public 

 squares, parks, and reservations, where the proximity of houses and buildings 

 subject to daily risks is avoided. 



1 The builders of museums are recommended to the publications of the British Fire Pre- 

 vention Co., Pall Mall, London, for useful and comprehensive discussions of fire and its pre- 

 vention. 



