102 REPORT OF NATIONAL, MUSEUM, K>22. 



The collections representing wood technology are in good condi- 

 tion. The first set of balsa wood specimens were injured by handling 

 and their softness tested with finger nails and pocketknives by 

 visitors desiring to verify statements of its unusual properties. 

 These have been replaced by fresh material donated by the former 

 cooperator. 



RESEARCH AND STUDIES CARRIED ON AT THE MUSEUM. 



For the benefit of the Museum. — As much time as could be spared 

 from routine work has been given by the curator and one assistant 

 to the preparation of comprehensive technical definitions of textile 

 fabrics based upon authentic specimens in the Museum's collections. 

 This has meant the careful examination of all available current 

 textile literature, as the technical mill and trade terms used in older 

 works of reference are often not in accord with those in current use 

 in the United States. Further progress has been made toward the 

 completion of a fabrics glossary based on actual specimens, as the 

 Museum's collection of named textiles has been steadily increased. 



The use of the Museum's collections and facilities by visitors and 

 correspondents.- — The industrial collections, particularly those con- 

 cerned with house construction and furnishing, were studied by the 

 professor of economics at George Washington University and his 

 students. The wood collections were made use of by J. H. 

 Lohman, of Panama, who spent some time studying the woods of 

 that region, and H. T. von Bernewitz, jr., who examined speci- 

 mens of various woods to determine their value for violin making. 

 Specimens of crude drugs were brought on numerous occasions for 

 comparison with the Museum's collections by the pharmacognocist 

 of the Bureau of Chemistry, J. F. Clevenger, who is engaged in de- 

 termining the identity of drug imports under the food and drug 

 law. Numerous visitors made inquiry at the curator's office in 

 search of special information suggested by the exhibits and made 

 particular use of the technical books on textiles, woods, and drugs 

 in the sectional libraries. The curator and assistant curators fur- 

 nished special information on industrial raw materials and the inden- 

 tification of specimens from time to time during the year to the 

 Bureaus of Chemistry and Plant Industry, United States Depart- 

 ment of Agriculture. The identification of specimens of fibers and 

 fabrics, gums, resins, seeds, and woods for numerous individuals, 

 both in and out of the Government service, has been a regular part 

 of the work of this division. The curator furnished the identifica- 

 tion of cottons and cotton seeds introduced by the Office of Foreign 

 Seed and Plant Introduction and Distribution, Department of Agri- 

 culture, and to him has been referred all letters requesting informa- 

 tion on silk and artificial silk received by the Department of Agri- 



