Scientific Reviews. Dasa 
certainly think that those 500 pupils who crowd the benches of Dr. 
Hope’s class have as much right to examine at leisure, in the Mu- 
seum, the minerals of which they obtain a glimpse at the chemical 
lectures, as those whose tastes direct them to the class of Natural 
History, or whose appreciation of the Museum induces them, rather 
than lose its advantages, to pay the fees. We think that no pecu- 
liar privileges of admission should be attached to the class of Natu- 
ral History,—that the students of all classes should be admitted 
gratis on appointed days,—and that perpetual pupils of all classes 
should have an equality of access, and this, by the payment of an 
annual guinea to the Museum for general admission to the rooms 
of exhibition. 
Thus much for the purposes of public exhibition. We come 
now to a far more important subject—the privileges which ought to 
be granted to men engaged in immediate scientific pursuits. And 
it is here “ the galled jade winces.” We do not hesitate to say, 
that it was the practical instance of prevention which we personally 
experienced, that stimulated us to an undertaking which is called 
“* public-spirited.” We wish that a spirited public, had by prior ex- 
ertion, relieved us of the unpleasant duty. Alluding to the statement 
published in our last number, a gentleman, who writes in the Edin- 
burgh Evening Courant, makes the following accurate remark : 
“* Judging from the reports in circulation, and from my own obser- 
vation, the Museum of the Edinburgh University is truly accessible 
to certain individuals only, and even to these only by favour.” 
This is the great burden of our complaint. By an unwarrantable 
allowance, which is at present involved in mystery, Professor Jame- 
son has exerted an autocratic sway over the keys so long, that, 
from custom, he dreams it has become aright. A few harmless 
unoffending men, who will never cause the world to say that it isa 
shame to see the sources of scientific labour glide by the Professor 
into other hands, are alone, with only one exception that we know, 
in sufficient favour to gain free admission to those rooms. Thus is 
science retarded by her Professor ; and a school of Natural History, 
which has all the conditions of excellence, made a mockery on the 
name of Academe, whose spirit is, not there. 
The regulations which, from much consideration, appear to us 
desirable with respect to men of science, may be briefly expressed. 
We think that all men, with stated scientific objects, whether they 
have already formed their reputation, or whether they have hither- 
to been debarred from exercising their mind in its favourite bent, 
should have unreserved admission, on all lawful days, to any part 
of the collection, as well that which is not adapted for public exhi- 
bition, as that which is arranged for show ;—that the drawers, 
which imprison the insects, should be thrown open ;—that the col- 
lection of specimens and preparations from the Frith of Forth, pre- 
sented by Dr. Grant, should be applied to the use for which he in- 
tended them ;—that the Museum of skeletons should be no longer 
closed ;—and, in fine, that the Professor, being permitted to 
deposit his own collections in the Museum of the public, if he have 
