LEIPSIC MUSEUM OF ETHNOLOGY. 401 



THE APPEAL. 



Endowed witli iucorporatecl rights, an institution has been founded at 

 Leipsic, which, under the title of "Museum of Ethnology," has for its 

 aim the collection of all objects illustrating the nature and history of cul- 

 ture of the human race and the encouragement of the science of eth- 

 nology. 



The most celebrated known collection of objects of human culture, 

 the property of the late Doctor Klemm, chief librarian at Dresden, forms 

 the starting-point of the enterprise, which, already increased by rich 

 donations, will shortly be arranged in a suitable place. 



In behalf of the institution, the undersigned appeal to all those who are 

 interested in the nature and historical development of the human species 

 with an earnest plea for the sujjport and furthering of their scheme. 



The scientific progress of ethnology and the diifusion of knowledge 

 concerning our race are the objects which they have in view. In order 

 to obtain them, they need the enthusiastic co-operation of all ethnologi- 

 cal societies now existing ; and upon them they call so confidently because 

 it is proposed to accomplish a work which, inasmuch as it concerns the 

 general welfare, so also only through the general i3atronage can it be 

 called into life, and be brought to maturity. 



There are already, in Berlin, Munich, Vienna, London, Paris, St. Peters 

 burg, Copenhagen, and other cities, rich anthropological and ethno- 

 logical museums; but dependent, as they are, upon the government 

 which founded them, and upon the public patronage which they receive, 

 they represent at best only — though perhaps magnificently — special 

 branches and single directions development of the culture ; whereas the 

 Leipsic " Museum of Ethnology" shall have as its object to bring into 

 one general view the nature and productions of the human race of all 

 ages and countries. Surely it needs only the mention of such an under- 

 taking to lead it to a successful result. Furthermore, it is fortunate that 

 Leipsic is the city which developed this idea, and through not insignifi:- 

 cant offerings, has given the first impulse to its execution. Lying in the 

 heart of Germany, indeed, of civilized Europe, a rallying-ground for the 

 whole world, it ought, as well from its geographical situation as from 

 its expanding, ever-augmenting inilueuces, from its position in the com- 

 merce of the world, from its profitable and extensive monetary affairs, 

 from its manifold intellectual and material productions, from the imj)ort- 

 ance and patronage of its still growing university, to be the fittest 

 among many illustrious cities to organize an institution adapted to the 

 purpose and to make it most abundantly successful. 



We are not ignorant that the task before us is great and difficult ; 

 but we are firmly confident that we, in our endeavors to perform it, 

 shall have aid and sympathy for every branch of our work. 



We are already able to boast of many notable subscriptions and pres- 

 ents, which have made it possible for us to begin the collection, and to 

 call into existence the " Museum of Ethnology 5" nevertheless we need 

 greater and more persevering endeavors in order to reach the desired 

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