222 HISTORICAL SKETCH OP THE 



tions of wonders treasured up within these walls, are infinitely more to the naturalist than 

 curiosities. They are revelations of eterpal laws. They are the condensed history of 

 the ages. They converse, in a mysterious language, of things that were ; unfolding the 

 marvellous processes that are ever going on in the hidden laboratories of the earth. 



According to our power of observation, the development of our faculties, the extent of 

 our knowledge, and the elevation of our own nature, will be what we shall here find and 

 enjoy. Such collections as are within these walls will help us to ascertain whether the 

 works of the Almighty have a language which we can interpret. Here, according to our 

 susceptibility, will a love of knowledge be stimulated, the intellectual energies quickened, 

 and all that is best and noblest in our nature called into activity. 



Not as a place for idle amusement were these walls erected. Not to gratify a vague 

 inquisitiveness were these collections gathered. Not for spinning the gossamer threads of 

 fanciful speculation were these halls and lecture-rooms dedicated. But for the highest 

 culture of which man is capable. For the acquirement of solid information. For the 

 opportunity of studying results gained by scientific explorers all over the globe. 

 We cannot personally accompany Sir Edward Parry and Sir John Richardson to the 

 Arctic regions, or with Humboldt climb Chimborazo, or penetrate the forests with Audu- 

 bon, or sail in "Her Majesty's ship" the " Beagle " round the world, but we can come here 

 and study the result of such labors. All that is of deepest interest between the equator 

 and the two poles, is here brought together. In books of voyages and travels, in works 

 upon botany, zoology, aiid palaeontology ; through specimens of rocks, ores, and fossils, 

 gathered from every zone : what branch of the natural sciences may not here be inves- 

 tigated ? Here is opportunity for observation and thought, analysis and comparison. 

 Who will affirm that such an institution is not an essential part of our whole educational 

 system, from the elementary School, up to the University ; yes, and onward through that 

 continued education which shall extend to the utmost limit of life ? 



This educational principle was recognized from the very commencement of the Society, 

 its avowed purpose being " the encouragement and promotion of the Science of Natural 

 History," which it was distinctly stated, the friends of the Society not only desired for 

 themselves, but that the interest might be extended far beyond their own circle. 



They were, however, few in number, and with limited means ; a scanty library and a 

 meagre collection, with as yet but feeble response from the public. This now pop- 

 ulous city was then not much more than a village, and the very taste which the founders of 

 this institution sought to direct and foster, had first to be created. We can hardly know 

 how they surmounted the difficulties they had to overcome. Still they persevered until 

 at length they became established in a building of more adequate accommodation in Mason 

 Street. Through every stage, there was a recognition of the same educational principle, 

 and, as their opportunities were enlarged, this purpose became more and more prominent. 

 Not only scientific students and intelligent citizens availed themselves of its advantages, 

 but often entire schools, with their teachers, visited the Museum for a day's study ; the 

 curators and officers of the Society giving explanations in their several departments, thus 

 rendering the occasions of real service to both masters and pupils. 



As the collections accumulated, and the beneficial influence of the Society became more 

 fully demonstrated, a larger field constantly opened ; and an appeal was at length made 

 to the Commonwealth for an appropriation of land upon which a more suitable building 



