PROCEEDINGS OF REGENTS. 117 
ence existing in the industries sustained by mineral resources. In 
addition to instructive exhibits the curator and his assistants liave 
furnished a large amount of information, including suggestions for 
insuring a sustained source of oil, and for the systematic assemblage 
of industrial data as a basis for reconstructional work in man power. 
The Division of Physical Anthropology has furnished information 
on racial questions, particularly relating to the Balkans. 
The curator of the Division of Textiles, having charge of food 
and animal products, cooperated with the Food Administration in 
planning graphic exhibits for use throughout the country on the 
subject of conservation. He was also appointed exhibits director in 
the District of Columbia and served as chairman of the campaign 
committee to carry out food conservation in the District. Inciden- 
tally he has prepared and placed on exliibition in the National Mu- 
seum an instructive exhibit of foods. Information was also fur- 
nished by him to the United States Shipping Board on raw com- 
modities, and assistance in working out a system for classifying 
commercial data on vegetable fats and oils. 
Other geological and biological problems arising in gas warfare, 
peat investigations, questions in connection with the construction 
of concrete ships and similar problems were also undertaken. As 
an illustration of the character of the work done by our experts, the 
curator of marine invertebrates demonstrated that the ordinary 
garden slug (which is abundant in Europe) possessed ideal qualifi- 
cations for detecting poisonous gases, which information was cabled 
to our Army and the Allies. He also assisted in securing satisfactory 
fillers for gas filters. 
The Museum photographer has rendered valuable assistance in 
connection with the organization of laboratories in the War and 
Navy Departments and also in confidential matters. 
Since the war commenced 26 employees of the Museum have been 
granted furloughs to enter the military and naval service of the 
country. 
War Museum. — The Smithsonian Institution, through the Museum 
administration and with the aid and cooperation of other Govern- 
ment departments, is undertaking to assemble, for permanent exhi- 
bition and preservation for the benefit of the public, a series of objects 
graphically illustrating the military and naval activities of the coun- 
tries engaged in the present great war. This collection, when com- 
pleted, will constitute an invaluable historical record of the war as 
shown by objects connected directly with the conflict, and, in addition 
to the military and naval features of the struggle, will represent cer- 
tain economic phases of the war as well. 
12573°— 21 9 
