340 Museum of Economic Geology. [No. 124. 



by visitors, is also highly desirable under existing arrangements, and at 

 the very best time for work, a morning is often lost by the indispens- 

 able civilities to chance visitors. Where laboratory work is going on, 

 this is out of the question. 



5. — It may appear, that I am asking for means and appliances more 

 extensive than our present Museum of Economic Geology requires ; but 

 to this it may be replied, that there is no lack of laboratory work even 

 now, and when we make known our views and desires, there will be 

 plenty more : add to which, that the first reference to us from Govern- 

 ment may be our requiring all the resources of a good laboratory to 

 reply to it creditably. I may be excused, if I remark in conclusion, that 

 it belongs to the Society, with such an opening as is now afforded to it, 

 to shew its readiness to do honour to the patronage it meets here and at 

 home. 



H. PlDDINGTON. 



16th March, 1842. 



Note. — The means and appliances to which Mr. Piddington alludes, as 

 necessary for the efficient establishment of the Museum, have been afford- 

 ed by the Society in the same spirit of liberality and zeal for the cause of 

 science, which actuated the Honorable the Court of Directors and the Go- 

 vernment of India, in contributing so eminently to the formation of the in- 

 stitution. The Honorable the President of the Asiatic Society, (H. T. 

 Prinsep, Esq.) at once proposed to make such additions to the spacious 

 building which contains our Library and Museum, as might not only 

 supply a proper Laboratory, but also give additional room for the Geolo- 

 gical and Mineralogical department, as well as allow of the appropriation 

 of a new and handsome apartment to be added to the upper story of 

 the house to a better disposition of our Books, or to our Ornithological 

 Collection, which daily undergoes augmentation. These works are in 

 a forward state, the President's proposition having been warmly adopted. 



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