1893.] NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 559 
to indispensable journals and the purchase of books absolutely needed 
by our students has been provided for during the past year, yet with 
the exercise of the strictest economy the amount derived from the 
library funds has been overdrawn. It is, therefore, evident that a 
liberal increase in the pecuniary resources of the library is needed 
if we are to maintain in the future our merited reputation of having 
the best collection of scientific works in America. Three timefe the 
amount now at our disposal could readily be spent annually without 
involving the slightest waste or extravagance. 
All the portraits of presidents and benefactors have been carefully 
examined by a reliable expert since my last report. They have 
been cleaned, varnished and, when necessary, as was the case in 
several instances, rebacked with canvas. The appearance of this 
interesting collection of paintings has thus been much improved. 
We are indebted to Mrs. Ellen M. Carpenter for a good portrait 
in oil of Mr. Geo. W. Carpenter by whom the Academy was served 
most efficiently as Treasurer for thirty-four consecutive years. 
An interesting oil portrait of Mr. Augustus E. Jessup, the beneficent 
founder of the Academy’s Jessup Fund, has been received from his 
daughter Mrs. Bloomfield H. Moore, to whose intelligent liberality 
the Academy is also deeply indebted. The painting represents Mr. 
Jessup in early manhood and therefore differs widely from the one 
given to the Academy by his children several years ago. The recent 
gift formerly belonged to Peale’s museum and is now hung in the 
Librarian’s room. 
I have received efficient assistance in the current work of the li¬ 
brary from Mr. William J. Fox and also, during a portion of the 
year, from Signor E. Fronani, the greater part ot whose time, how¬ 
ever, as will be seen by the report of the Recording Secretary, was 
devoted to the work of another department. 
All of which is respectfully submitted. 
Edw. J. Nolan, 
Librarian. 
REPORT OF THE CURATORS. 
It has been the endeavor of the Curators throughout the year to pay 
particular attention to the examination and renovation of the more 
perishable collections and to the replacement in the museum of such 
