344 DIRECTORY OF AMERICAN MUSEUMS 



show adaptation, metamorphosis, and mimicry have been begun. A 

 small number of bird groups is exhibited in natural surroundings. 



Historical Sketch. The museum originated in a contract made 

 by the government in 1830 with Claudio Gay to collect objects of nat- 

 ural history in Chile and to form a museum. Gay returned to France in 

 1842 for the publication of his researches in Chile. The museum which 

 he left in Santiago was nearly abandoned and many specimens were 

 lost or destroyed by neglect, so that only a very poor collection existed 

 in 1853 when Dr. R. A. Philippi became director. Since that time 

 the museum has developed rapidly by collections made by the direc- 

 tor and the staff and by exchange. Dr. R. A. Philippi retired in 1897 

 at the age of 89, being succeeded by his son, Federico Philippi. 



Financial Support. The museum is dependent solely upon 

 government appropriations for its support. The following is a typical 

 annual budget: for salaries, $25,900; for minor employees, general 

 expenses, explorations, and accessions, $6000; for printing, $1500; 

 for cases and stands, $1000; for library, $1000; total, $35,400 Chilian 

 currency. 



Building. Erected by the government in 1875 for an interna- 

 tional exposition, afterwards devoted to the museum and the agri- 

 cultural institute. It provides a floor space of 3960 square meters 

 for exhibition, and 1400 for offices, workrooms, etc. This includes a 

 roofed yard of 1233 square meters. 



Administration. By a director, responsible to the minister of 

 public instruction. 



Scope. Exploration and research, supplemented by exhibition 

 and public and school instruction. 



Library. A reference library of 1839 works on natural science. 



Publications. Anales del Museo Nacional, published at irreg- 

 ular intervals, 17 numbers having already been issued. Boletin del 

 Museo Nacional, 1 volume has been issued and, beginning with 1910, 

 I volume will be published annually. 



Attendance. Open free to the public on Sundays and Thursdays 

 from 12 to 5 except in January and February. Open to schools on 

 any afternoon upon application to the director. There are no sta- 

 tistics of attendance, but on Sundays and on holidays which fall on 

 Thursday, the number of visitors frequently exceeds 3000. 



