CORRESPONDENCE. 685 
All this shows beyond a doubt that the American anthropologists 
are active and progressing. When any science in a given country 
arrives at such a stage of activity as here outlined, there arise certain 
wants which, if attended to, make further progress more definite, 
systematic, and easier. Under such circumstances it is fortunate if 
there are established in other countries well-tried precedents which 
fulfill similar wants of the same science. We have such precedents 
in anthropology. We find them particularly in France, but also in 
England, Germany, and Italy. There are many good examples to 
follow in supplying our needs, and there are also some occurrences 
which ought to serve as a warning. 
The one need of American anthropologists which I consider impor- 
tant above everything else is the establishment of an Anthropological 
Institute, There is needed a common independent center, such as the 
French anthropologists have in their Institute of Broca, the English 
in the Institute of Great Britain and Ireland. The French example 
is much the better, the English center being a little more than a 
clubhouse, Broca’s Institute is a great depository of anthropologic 
material, which otherwise would be scattered or lost; it is a labora- 
- tory in the full sense of the word; it is a great school for students in 
anthropology, who come there from all countries ; its lectures are free 
to the public; it possesses a large and very valuable anthropologic 
library, and almost a complete collection of anthropologic instruments, 
and both the books and instruments stand there for ready reference 
or use; finally, the Institute is the center of French anthropologists, 
to which are presented their best efforts, in which are held their 
sessions, and in which originate the most powerful impulses for 
further work. 
The moral and practical influence of such an establishment on the 
science for which it stands cannot be measured. Can any one esti- 
mate how much good such an Institute could be to the American 
anthropologists of to-day and of the future? The American anthro- 
pologist has a great deal of difficult work before him. He is con- 
fronted with problems which are not equaled in number or importance 
by those of any other country. The problems do not concern the 
United States alone, but the whole extent of both Americas, and 
they are so complicated, large, and numerous, that they will require 
the best scientific talent and attention for generations to come. 
Nothing could more facilitate the solution of these problems than 
a first-class anthropological Institute. 
As immigration progresses and various countries on this continent, 
