REPOET OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1912. 15 



nology, which has long been recognized in the Museum classification, 

 though under a different term, will be the next step in the develop- 

 ment of the department. Dealing with the useful mineral sub- 

 stances, the processes of manufacture and the resultant products, this 

 division will also cover a wide field of great industrial importance. 

 The older collection, started as early as 1880, embraces much of in- 

 terest, and during several years a considerable amount of research 

 work was carried on in connection with it. The subject was revived 

 and greatly stimulated by the opportunities afforded at the St. Louis 

 exposition of 1904 for obtaining valuable material, of which 30 car 

 loads, donated by exhibitors, were brought to Washington. Compris- 

 ing a large number of models of mining plants and machinery, and 

 a great variety of minerals and ores, as well as of finished products, 

 this collection is sufficiently diversified to serve as the basis for a 

 representation of the mining industries in a comprehensive and 

 effective manner. The installation of the material now on hand as 

 far as it is suitable for exhibition will be one of the first moves 

 toward giving the division an established position. 



The division of graphic arts, formerly located in one of the courts 

 in the older Museum building, has been moved to the Smithsonian 

 building where its exhibits, illustrating the printing and binding of 

 books, as well as the various processes of engraving, will occupy the 

 public halls on the main floor. The division of history will retain its 

 present conspicuous position in the older Museum building, near the 

 main entrance, to which it has gained title by reason of the popularity 

 of its installations. Consisting mainly of memorials of prominent 

 national characters and events, its collections have, as a whole, proved 

 the most attractive of any to the general visitor. With respect to 

 the other subjects to be provided for in this building, none, with 

 possibly two or three exceptions, has yet been allotted its definite 

 space, nor can a satisfactory subdivision be attempted until such 

 progress has been made with the collections as will serve to indicate 

 their respective needs. As about one-half of the area is already 

 occupied, only as much more remains for the additions still to be 

 made. 



One of the most important events of the year, if not in the history 

 of the Museum, was the beginning of Sunday opening to the public, 

 whereby the privileges of the establishment were extended equally 

 to all classes. First advocated by the Secretary of the Smithsonian 

 Institution at least 50 years ago, the means required for the addi- 

 tional heating and watchmen only became available in the provi- 

 sions made for maintenance since the completion of the new building. 

 This innovation applies for the present only to the new building, 

 with hours from 1.30 to 4.30 o'clock in the afternoon, but its exten- 



