8 ANNUAL REPORT SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 1959 
Kirk collection and 117 original drawings of U.S. sailing ships; in 
arts and manufactures, several important gifts of ceramics and glass, 
a group of fine prints, and an 18th-century French hand-and-foot 
treadle loom for the new textile hall; and in science and technology, a 
collection of early handmade locks, bolts, and decorative handware, 
an acquisition of dental instruments, furniture, and equipment re- 
lating to the history of dentistry, and a group of scientific instruments 
used by Ira Remsen at Johns Hopkins University. 
Members of the staff conducted fieldwork in Central America, South 
America, the Caribbean, Europe, and many parts of the United States. 
Under the exhibits-modernization program, three new halls were 
opened to the public during the year—the Graphic Arts Hall, the 
Hall of Gems and Minerals, and the Textile Hall. An event of the 
year of particular public interest was the unveiling of the Fénykévi 
elephant in the rotunda of the Natural History Building. Fitting 
ceremonies were also held in connection with the opening of the 
room displaying the Maude Monell Vetlesen collection of Chinese 
jade carvings. 
Bureau of American Ethnology—The members of the Bureau staff 
continued their research in archeology and ethnology: Director Rob- 
erts particularly on matters pertaining to the River Basin Surveys, 
Dr. Collins his Arctic and Eskimo studies, Dr. Sturtevant his Semi- 
nole and Seneca researches, Mr, Miller his archeological work at Rus- 
sell Cave in Alabama. 
Astrophysical Observatory—tThe year’s researches of the Smith- 
sonian Astrophysical Observatory have embraced solar astrophysics, 
upper atmosphere studies, meteoritical studies, and satellite science. 
The satellite-tracking program was continued, with notable results. 
The division of radiation and organisms continued its researches on 
the photomorphogenic mechanism in plants as controlled by radiant 
energy. 
National Collection of Fine Arts—The Smithsonian Art Commis- 
sion accepted for the Gallery 19 bronzes, 1 bronze plaque, 4 medal- 
lions, 3 oils, and 4 watercolors. The Gallery held 17 special exhibitions 
during the year; and the Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition Service 
circulated 100 exhibitions (29 new and 71 held from previous years) 
to 240 museums. 
Freer Gallery of Art.—Purchases for the Freer Gallery Collec- 
tions included outstanding examples of Syrian glass; Indian lacquer- 
work; Indian and Persian metalwork; Indian, Chinese, and Japanese 
painting; and Chinese and Japanese pottery. The Gallery continued 
its program of illustrated lectures by distinguished scholars in the 
auditorium, the 1958-59 season numbering six. 
National Air Museum.—Site for the new building for the National 
Air Museum was approved during the year, and preliminary studies 
