18 
THE INDIAN MUSEUM: 1814-1914. 
in the Arts and Sciences ; secondly, for the elucidation and 
investigation of the specimens so collected and for the diffu¬ 
sion of the knowledge acquired thereby; and, thirdly, to 
make suitable arrangements calculated to arouse the interest 
of the public and to promote their instruction. 
As regards the first two of these functions, the Indian 
Museum has no reason to reproach itself. We have taken 
adequate steps for purposes of record; that is, to preserve, 
for future comparative and critical study, the material upon 
which investigations have been made in the past, or which 
may confirm, correct, or modify the results of such studies. 
We have also taken measures for the advancement of learn¬ 
ing, inasmuch as we have aided learned men in the work of 
extending the boundaries of knowledge, by affording them 
the use of material for investigation, laboratories, libraries 
and appliances. Nor have we been slow to stimulate original 
work in connection with our own collections and to promote 
the publication of the results reached by our investigators. 
But I regret to confess, with a feeling of disappointment, 
that when I examine the history of the Indian Museum from 
the point of view of its third function as a possible powerful 
instrument for the instruction of the public, I cannot say 
that the fullest measure of success has been achieved. In so 
far as this third function is concerned, the Museum may be 
regarded, first, as an adjunct to the class room and the 
lecture room; secondly, as a bureau of information; and 
thirdly, as an institution for the culture of the people. A 
considerable measure of successful work has been accom¬ 
plished in each of these directions, within the limited means 
at our disposal; but these aims are matters of vital impor¬ 
tance for the promotion of which further determined effort 
must be made. 
If we desire to furnish to the advanced or professional 
student, materials and opportunity for laboratory training; 
if we desire to aid the teacher of elementary, secondary, or 
technological knowledge in expounding to his pupils the 
principles of Art, Nature and History ; our scientific staff 
must be materially strengthened; it would be disastrous to 
the success of the Indian Museum as an instrument for the 
