ZOOLOGY 



BY THEODORE GILL 



Prof essor of Zoology , Columbian University 



ACCEPTING the terms of the fundamental or- 

 ganization of the Smithsonian Institution, the 

 consideration of its relations to the progress 

 of zoology might be expected from two points 

 of view : first, the " increase of knowledge " as 

 the result of original investigation, and second, the "diffu- 

 sion of knowledge among men" by publication. It will, 

 however, become obvious on reflection that the relation of 

 the Institution to the increase of knowledge must be chiefly 

 through the stimulus of means which it may furnish to the 

 original investigator. The actual increase of zoological 

 knowledge has been effected through the investigations of 

 those connected with the Institution directly or indirectly, 

 and as the result of studies of the collections amassed in the 

 museum. The increase of knowledge effected by the Insti- 

 tution is therefore to be found in the aggregate of individual 

 discoveries resulting from the study of material collected 

 through its agency, or first made known in its publications. 

 The most natural course, then, will be to review the further- 

 ance by the Institution of exploration for zoological material, 



