312 The Smithsonian Institution 



whether the Institution ought to form extensive miscellaneous 

 collections to be maintained permanently at the expense of 

 its funds, although he fully appreciated the value of collec- 

 tions, and, as will presently appear, labored to carry out the 

 program adopted for the Institution by acquiring and caring 

 for such special collections as could be made the direct means 

 of increasing and diffusing knowledge. In the Report for 

 1850 he remarked: 



" It would not be in accordance with the spirit of the or- 

 ganization to expend the income in the reproduction of col- 

 lections of objects which are to be found in every museum of 

 the country. Natural history can be much more effectively 

 promoted by special collections of new objects, by appropri- 

 ations for original explorations and researches, and, above 

 all, by assistance in the preparation of the necessary drawings, 

 and by presenting to the world, in a proper form, the labors 

 of naturalists. In conformity with these views, it has been 

 resolved to confine the collections, principally, to objects of a 

 special character, or to such as may lead to the discovery of 

 new truths, or which may serve to verify or disprove existing 

 or proposed scientific generalizations." 



Again, in the Report for 1851, perhaps thinking that his 

 position regarding museums might be misunderstood, he 

 wrote : 



" I would distinctly disavow the intention of underrating 

 the importance of collections in themselves. On the con- 

 trary, it ought to be the duty of the Smithsonian Institu- 

 tion to point out the means by which they may be made, 

 and to aid in the work, to the extent of its ability, by 

 embracing all opportunities which may offer for procuring 

 specimens for distribution, and by facilitating exchange and 

 assisting explorations." 



1 " Smithsonian Report," 1850, page 21 (reprinted in Report for 1853, page 202). 

 2 " Smithsonian Report," 1851, page 24 (reprinted in Report for 1853, page 227). 



