Bath in its relation to Science. 



by the establishment of "The Institution." Its primary 

 object was the formation of a hbrary of high charac- 

 ter, but the promotion of Science engaged from the 

 beginning the earnest efforts of the founders. The first 

 Rfeport of the Committee stated that a Museum had been 

 commenced " for whatever remains of Antiquity the district 

 might supply, and where the students of Natural Science, 

 particularly Geology, might find instruction." In connection 

 with the latter department the name of William Lonsdale 

 ought always to be honoured. He worked unceasingly 

 several years, first in founding the collection by large gifts 

 of his own specimens, and then in accurately arranging 

 them. In 1825 he presented to the Institution 1,159 speci- 

 mens, including 290 fossils and 69 land and fresh-water 

 shells. While the neat labels are interesting souvenirs of 

 Lonsdale's personality, the names indicate an important stage 

 in Geological Science. The object of the Institution as to 

 antiquities was promoted by the Corporation of Bath, who 

 deposited there the grand Roman remains which had been 

 found in and near the city. To these have been added 

 others of Greek, Indian, Egyptian, and Assyrian origin ; 

 also cabinets of coins of various countries and considerable 

 value. For the students of Botany an excellent Herbarium 

 was given by the Rev. Leonard Jenyns, who afterwards took 

 the name of Blomefield, and for those of Mineralogy a collec- 

 tion of minerals by Mr. Frederic Field. One of the rooms 

 is set apart for objects illustrative of the Natural History of 

 Bath and the neighbourhood, and a gallery with adjoining 

 spaces for a large collection of birds and other zoological 

 specimens contained in 1,100 cases. They were presented 

 by Mrs. Colonel Godfrey to the Corporation, and deposited 

 by the aid of Mr. William Bush, at one time Mayor of Bath. 



