82 THE MUSEUM OF THE vn 



In this combination on one spot, and under one manage- 

 ment, of so many diverse collections, we have a survival of a 

 condition of scientific knowledge more characteristic certainly 

 of the last century than of the one in which we live ; but in 

 this age of specialities it is well perhaps to be reminded by 

 such an institution of the essential unity of biological know- 

 ledge, and of the important illustrations which one branch of 

 it may afford to another, especially when the detailed facts are 

 to be combined for the purpose of philosophical generalisation. 



In visiting the museum, and in the comparison which may 

 be instituted between it and others of its kind, it is important 

 to recollect this origin and history, as they will account for 

 many shortcomings. It must not be forgotten that to its 

 comparative antiquity (for it is certainly the predecessor and 

 prototype of all the anatomical museums of this country and 

 of America, and to most of those on the Continent) is due 

 many faults of construction and arrangement which should 

 not be found in a building designed with the knowledge and 

 experience of recent years. I have elsewhere pointed out 

 what I consider the chief of these. 1 



Though the large size of the principal rooms allows of a 

 fine coup d'ccil, such a construction does not permit of that 

 separation and distribution of the different series which is 

 desirable for the purposes of study. Human anatomy, in- 

 vertebrate zoology, and pathology, for instance, come into such 

 near juxtaposition as to produce some confusion in the minds 

 of strangers, though familiarity with the arrangement soon 

 disperses the difficulties at first met with in finding the 

 situation and limits of the particular department required. 

 The narrowness and unprotected condition of the shelves 

 in the galleries is also a radical defect now unfortunately 

 irremediable. Furthermore, the indulgence of those who have 

 the happiness to live elsewhere than in the absolute centre of 

 a population of four millions of coal-burning people, must be 

 asked for certain dusky results of such a situation, which no 

 amount of care and expense can obviate. 



I must now ask leave to be your guide to some of the 

 contents of the museum, as it is at present arranged, and will 

 1 Journal of Anatomy and Physiology, vol. ix. May 1875. 



