1842.] Museum of Economic Geology. 339 



ments. By the same means, the collections might gradually become 

 considerable, comparisons be instituted where comparisons were likely 

 to be useful, both as regards the parts of India with each other, and with 

 foreign countries. Analysis of soils, which should be made as well with 

 regard to their physical as chemical conditions, due attention being paid 

 to climate, would accumulate, and eventually a mass of information 

 would be collected, which could not fail very materially to assist in im- 

 proving the agriculture, and developing the mineral wealth of the vast 

 territory under the Government of the East India Company. 



(Signed) H. F. Delabeche, 

 Director of the Museum of Economic Geology. 

 9th September, 1841. 



To H. Torrens, Esq., Secretary Asiatic Society. 



Sir, — With reference to our conversation on the subject of a Labora- 

 tory for the Museum of Economic Geology, I set down here as requested, 

 such Memoranda as occur to me for the information of the Committee of 

 Papers and the Society. 



1 . — " A laboratory and a good analytical chemist appointed to it may 

 be considered as amongst the earliest requisites for a Museum of Eco- 

 nomic Geology," says Mr. Delabeche, in replying to the Court of 

 Directors on their referring to him my report of February 1841, and he 

 is writing in England. We may add here, I think, " in India far more 

 than in England ?" 



2. — The arrangements for a laboratory require a room, and I cannot 

 see how to obtain one of improper size, without adding to our present 

 accommodation. 



3. — The arrangement proposed by you, would give us additional room 

 for many things which now become much crowded : and for models, 

 records, &c. which will gradually accumulate in the Museum of Economic 

 Geology, in which, be it remembered, we have to collect both Indian 

 and European knowledge and specimens. 



4. — We require room for coarse furnace work, and for our more deli- 

 cate analytical operations, which cannot (be it remembered) be carried 

 on in open rooms, or left to chance-meddling, or exposed to theft if of 



value. Room for the Superintendent, where he can work undisturbed 



2 Y 



