2688 Journal of Applied Microscopy 



installation. There may be some atrophied and stagnant temperaments to whom 

 a beautiful or tasteful or impressive installation seems at war with the terribly 

 serious considerations of science, but a very little attention to the facts of the 

 case would entirely relieve them of these fears. Because a specimen looks well, 

 it is no less the same specimen than when it looks poorly, and all cultivated 

 instinct aims to achieve, in making it look well, is to make it more easily seen, 

 make it more conspicuous. There certainly is no desire, in those who strive 

 for effect, to surround objects with decorations which defeat their own purpose, 

 and bring more attention to the embellishment than to the object. The most 

 refined appreciation of effect sees that the different departments of a museum 

 may need differing treatments and that severity of arrangement better accords 

 with a display of building stones or ores than ornament, while the lavish beauty 

 of birds may demand foils and reliefs to their beauty to even make it more 

 apparent. 



In effect, arrangement, and color contrasts count for something. Proper 

 spacing, selection of material, and backgrounds of good fortifying colors make 

 notable improvements in the appearance of the specimens. Besides the painting 

 of the cases and shelves, the use of cloth, plush, and paper can be utilized. It 

 is certainly undesirable to attempt harlequin effects, and usually a few selected 

 colors meet every requirement. 



In the figures here used some illustration is given of the methods adopted in 

 museums for exhibition, and they cannot in all cases be regarded as eminently 

 successful, though the north court of the South Kensington museum is an attrac- 

 tive example of varied and entertaining installation and also is an instance of 

 top-lighting. The objects are perhaps a little too crowded, but there is consid- 

 erable art displayed in their contrasted juxtaposition and mounting. 



The arc lights in use here for illumination do not seem at all as attractive 

 and appropriate as grouped incandescent lamps. The south court of the same 

 museum, also shown, would be improved if the alignment of the cases was not 

 so monotonously similar. In the shell hall of the National History museum, 

 London, the walled in effect is disagreeable and repressive, and could be dissi- 

 pated by lining the walls with shallow cases carrying exhibits. Such illustra- 

 tions might be endlessly supplied. It is fortunate under all circumstances that 

 individual preferences vary and the exercise of individual invention or design 

 produces diverse and manifold results. 



The museum has become part of the educational life of our cities, and must 

 increasingly solicit public consideration and public support. 

 American Museum of Natural History. L. P- GrataCAP. 



