262 DIRECTORY OF AMERICAN MUSEUMS 



Zoology. Shells, on exhibition, i6,ooo±, in storage, i4,ooo±; 

 Insects, on exhibition, io,ooo±, in storage, i20o±; Fishes, 200+; 

 Batrachians, 58±; Reptiles, ioo±; Birds, 3261b; Mammals, 2oo±. 

 In addition to these there is a synoptic collection from protozoa to 

 vertebrates of 418 specimens. 44 small groups of animals are mounted 

 in natural surroundings. 



Historical Sketch. The institute was, founded by Professor 

 William Wagner as the result of a course of free lectures on scientific 

 subjects given at his house in 1847. The building of the institute was 

 completed in 1864 and courses of free lectures have been continuously 

 maintained up to the present time. The institute was incorporated 

 in 1855. After the death of Professor Wagner in 1885 the trustees 

 prepared to open the museum and library to the public ; the latter was 

 opened in 1889 and the former in 1891. 



Financial Support. An income of about $20,000 from endow- 

 ment by the founder. 



Building. Erected in 1864 by the founder, the building pro- 

 vides 18,596 square feet of floor space for exhibition, and 11,885 f° r 

 lecture hall, libraries, offices, laboratories, workrooms, etc. 



Administration. By a superintendent, responsible to a board of 

 trustees. 



Scope. The museum is intended to maintain synoptic, systema tic, 

 and local collections for public instruction in connection with the free 

 libraries and free lecture courses of the institute. The museum has 

 been the basis of much research work published by the institute. 



Library. A scientific reference library of 25,ooo± bound volumes 

 and 5o,ooo± unbound volumes and pamphlets, intended for the use 

 of both staff and public. 



Publications. 6 volumes of Transactions have been published. 



Attendance. Open free to the public on Wednesday and Sat- 

 urday afternoons from 2 to 5. No statistics of attendance are avail- 

 able. 



W. P. WILSTACH COLLECTION. (Memorial Hall, Fairmount 

 Park.) 



The gallery contains 500 oil paintings and 25 water colors. It was 

 founded in 1892 by the bequest of Mrs. Anna H. Wilstach who de- 

 vised the sum of $700,000, 166 oil paintings, 15 water colors, and 200 

 books on art to the city of Philadelphia, in charge of the commissioners 

 of Fairmount Park. The collection is under the care of E. A. Shunk, 

 custodian, assisted by a librarian, 2 guards, and 5 minor employees. 

 The custodian is responsible to a committee in charge of the gallery, 



