On the Educational Uses of Museums. 343 
His predecessor has left us for a post of heavy responsibility and 
inestimable importance,—one on the conduct of which the suc- 
cess of government institutions for scientific education will in a 
great measure depend. He has left us with our warmest wishes 
for his success, and our firmest confidence in his ability, energy, 
tarnestness, and truthfulness. But though no longer holding a 
professorial post here, we retain the benefit of his advice and 
counsel, since he still remains connected with our institution, and 
sits with us as a member of our Educational Committee. 
e€ commence the session—so far as the class of students of 
most consequence, viz., the matriculated class, is concerned—un- 
der peculiarly favorable auspices. The number of entries is 
greater at this early stage of the courses than during either of the 
former years. Considering how difficult it is in our country for 
any establishment on a new plan to make way, this evidence of 
progress may be taken asa fair subject for congratulation. 
The object of the Museum in which we are now assembled is 
mainly the illustration of the mineral constitution and products 
of the British islands, and to some extent, of the British colonies. 
This purpose, whether we consider the great benefit derived from 
mineral wealth by our nation at large, the vast capital invested in 
the search after and application of mineral resources, or the light 
thrown upon science under its nobler and less profitable forms, 
catinot but be esteemed a worthy one. To carry it out effectively 
Would require more than double the space here assigned to it, 
and powers o speedy and comprehensive action such as are not 
usually conferred upon the managers of State institutions. The 
purpose of the place in some of its branches is more or less fully 
Presented, but in others is barely sketched or rather indicated. 
_ The applications of mineral products to the various useful and 
othamental arts are so numerous, that, except in a few principal 
instances, it would be folly to attempt their illustration within our 
Confined boundaries. Consequently, in a purely industrial direc- 
ion our display is sketchy and partial. That a collection fully 
‘nd judiciously illustrating the arts that spring from the world of 
Minerals, treated with equal regard to their present extension and 
past history, to their excellencies, capabilities, and defects, would 
be in the highest degree instructive and beneficial, if employed 
in the illustration of well-devised courses of instruction, there 
cannot be a doubt. If ever such a collection be formed, this 
ustitution may fairly claim the credit of its paternity. . 
8 one of its departments this Museum aims at more amplitude ; 
and even proceeding at our present somewhat tardy pace—inev- 
ltably so, as we are situated,—must in the end attain, or at least 
Heatly approach, completeness. I allude to that devoted to the 
illustration of the geological structure of the British Islands. You 
aware that we are here an establishment in intimate connex- 
