SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM REPORT ON THE PROGRESS AND CON- DITION OF THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1915 WASHINGTON GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1916 United States Xatioxal ^lusErrM, Under Directiox of the S^jtthsoxian Ixstitltiox, Wash.infffon. D. C, October 22, 1915. Sir : I have the honor to submit herewith a report upon the present condition of the United States National Museum and upon the work accomplished in its various departments during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1915. Very respectfully, ElCHAED RaTHBTTN', Assistant Secretary, in charge of the National Museum. Dr. Chakles D. Waxcott, Secretary, Smithsonian Institution. OOI^TEE"TS. Page. Inception and history 7 Summary of the development of the Museum and of recent activities 12 Operations of the year 18 Appropriations 18 Buildings and equipment 18^ Collections 21 Department of Anthropology 22 Department of Biology 37 Department of Geology 57 Arts and industries 67 Distribution and exchange of specimens 79 National Gallery of Art 80 Art textiles 110 Miscellaneous Ill Visitors Ill Publications 112 Library 114 Meetings and congresses 114 Special exhibitions 117 Expositions 123 Organization and staff 126 The Museum staff 131 List of accessions 133 List of publications 181 5 REPORT ON THE PROGRESS AND CONDITION OF THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1915. By Richard Rathbun, * "^'^^ ^ .■■■••»» Assistant Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, in charge of the U. S. National Museum. K^CEPTION AND HISTORY. The Congress of the United States in the act of August 10, 1846, founding the Smithsonian Institution recognized that an opportunity was afforded, in carrying out the large-minded design of Smithson, to provide for the custody of the museum of the Nation. To this new establishment was therefore intrusted the care of the national collections, a course that time has fully justified. In the beginning the cost of maintaining the museum side of the Institution's work was wholly paid from the Smithsonian income; then for a time the Government bore a share, and during the past 39 years Congress has voted the entire funds for the expenses of the museum, thus furthering one of the primarj^^ means " for the increase and diffusion of Imowledge among men " without encroaching upon the resources of the Institution. The museum idea was inherent in the establishment of the Smith- sonian Institution, which in its turn was based upon a 10 years' dis- cussion in Congress and the advice of the most distinguished scien- tific men, educators, and intellectual leaders of the Nation of TO years ago. It is interesting to note how broad and comprehensive were the views which actuated our lawmakers in determining the scope of the Museum, a fact especially remarkable when it is recalled that at that date no museum of considerable size existed in the United States, and the museums of England and of the continent of Europe were still to a large extent without a developed plan, although containing ^ many rich collections. en The Congress which passed the act of foundation enumerated as CD within the scope of the Museum " all objects of art and of foreign c") and curious research and all objects of natural history, plants, and c:^ geological and mineralogical sx^ecimens belonging to the United S 7 8 EEPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1915. States," thus stamping the Museum at the very outset as one of the widest range and at the same time as the Museum of the United States. It was also appreciated that additions would be necessary to the collections then in existence, and provision was made for their increase by the exchange of duplicate specimens, by donations, and by other means. If the wisdom of Congress in so fully providing for a museum in the Smithsonian law challenges attention, the interpretation put upon this law by the Board of Eegents within less than six months from the passage of the act can not but command admiration. In the early part of September, 1846, the Eegents took steps toward formu- lating a plan of operations. The report of the committee appointed for this purpose, submitted in December and January following, shows a thorough consideration of the subject in both the spirit and letter of the law. It would seem not out of place to cite here the first pronouncement of the board with reference to the character of the Museum : "In obedience to the requirements of the charter,^ which leaves little discretion in regard to the extent of accommodations to be pro- vided, your committee recommend that there be included in the build- ing a museum of liberal size, fitted up to receive the collections des- tined for the Institution. * * * "As important as the cabinets of natural history by the charter required to be included in the Museum, your committee regard its ethnological portion, including all collections that may supply items in the physical history of our species, and illustrate the manners, customs, religions, and progressive advance of the various nations of the world ; as, for example, collections of skulls, skeletons, portraits, dresses, implements, weapons, idols, antiquities, of the various races of man. * * * In this connexion your committee recommend the passage of resolutions asking the cooperation of certain public functionaries and of the public generally in furtherance of the above objects. " Your committee are further of opinion that in the Museum, if the funds of the Institution permit, might judiciously be included various series of models illustrating the progi'ess of some of the most useful inventions; such, for example, as the steam engine from its earliest and rudest form to its present most improved state ; but this they pro- pose only so far as it may not encroach on ground already covered by the numerous models in the Patent Office. " Specimens of staple materials, of their gradual manufacture, and of the finished product of manufactures and the arts may also, your ^ Since the Institution was not chartered in a legal sense, but established by Congress, the use of the word " charter " in this connection was not correct. EEPOET OF NATIONAL MUSEUM^ 1915. 9 committee think, be usefully introduced. This would supply oppor- tunity to examine samples of the best manufactured articles our country affords, and to judge her gradual progress in arts and manu- factures. * * * "The gallery of art, your committee think, should include both paintings and sculpture, as well as engravings and architectural de- signs; and it is desirable to have in connexion with it one or more studios in which young artists might copy without interruption, be- ing admitted under such regulations as the board may prescribe. Your committee also think that, as the collection of paintings and sculpture will probably accumulate slowly, the room destined for a gallery of art might properly and usefully meanwhile be occupied during the sessions of Congress as an exhibition room for the works of artists generally; and the extent and general usefulness of such an exhibit might probably be increased if an arrangement could be effected with the Academy of Design, the Arts Union, the Artists' Fund Society, and other associations of similar character, so as to concentrate at the metropolis for a certain portion of each winter the best results of talent in the fine arts." The important points in the foregoing report are (1) that it was the opinion of the Regents that a museum was, requisite under the law, Congi^ess having left no discretion in the matter; (2) that ethnology and anthropology, though not specially named, were yet as important subjects as natural history; (3) that the history of the progTess of useful inventions and the collection of the raw materials and products of the manufactures and arts should also be provided for; (4) for the gallery of art the committee had models in existence, and they proposed, pending the gathering of art collections, which would of necessity be slow, to provide for loan exhibitions by co- operating with art academies and societies. In the resolutions which were adopted upon the presentation of the report, a museum was mentioned as " one of the principal modes of executing the act and trust." ^ The work was to go forward as the funds permitted, and, as is well known, the maintenance of the Museum and the library was long ago assumed by Congress, the In- stitution taking upon itself only so much of the necessary responsi- ^ Resolved, That it is the intention of the act of Congress establishing the Institution, and in accordance with the design of Mr. Smithson, as expressed in his will, that one of the principal modes of executing the act and the trust is the accumulation of collections of specimens and objects of natural history and of elegant art, and the gradual formation of a library of valuable works pertaining to all departments of human knowledge, to the end that a copious storehouse of materials of science, literature, and art may be provided which shall excite and diffuse the love of learning among men, and shall assist the original investigations and efforts of those who may devote themselves to the pursuit of any branch of knowledge. 10 REPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1915. bility for the administration of these and subsequent additions to its activities as would weld them into a compact whole, which to- gether form a unique and notable agency for the increase and dif- fusion of knowledge, for the direction of research, for cooperation with departments of the Government and with universities and scien- tific societies in America, and likewise afford a definite correspondent to all scientific institutions and men abroad who seek interchange of views or knowledge with men of science in the United States. Since that early day the only material change in the scope of the Government Museum has been the addition of a department of American history, intended to illustrate by an appropriate assem- blage of objects the lives of distinguished personages, important events, and the domestic life of the country from the colonial period to the present time. The development of the Museum has been greatest in those sub- jects which the conditions of the past 64 years have made most fruit- ful—the natural history, geology, ethnology, and archeology of the United States, supplemented by many collections from other coun- tries. The opportunities for acquisition in these directions have been mainly brought about through the activities of the scientific and economic surveys of the Government, many of which are the direct outgrowths of earlier explorations, stimulated or directed by the Smithsonian Institution. The Centennial Exhibition of 1876 af- forded the first opportunity for establishing a department of the industrial arts, of which the fullest advantage was taken, but the department or gallery of the fine arts made little progress, though not from lack of desire or appreciation, until nine years ago, when circumstances led to its definite recognition. While it is the primary duty of a museum to preserve the objects confided to its care, as it is that of a library to preserve its books and manuscripts, yet the importance of public collections rests not upon the mere basis of custodianship nor upon the number of speci- mens assembled and their money value, but upon the use to which they are put. Judged by this standard, the National Museum may claim to have reached a high state of efficiency. From an educational point of view it is of great value to those persons ^Yl\o are so fortu- nate as to reside in Washington or who are able to visit the Nation's capital. In its well-designed cases, in which every detail of structure, appointment, and color is considered, a selection of representative objects is placed on view to the public, all being carefully labeled individually and in groups. The child as well as the adult has been provided for and the kindergarten pupil and the high-school scholar can be seen here supplementing their class-room games or studies. Under authority from Congress the small colleges and higher grades of schools and academies throughout tlie land, especially in places REPORT OP NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1915. 11 where museums do not exist, are also being aided in their educational work by sets of duplicate specimens, selected and labeled to meet the needs of both teachers and pupils. Nor has the elementary or even the higher education been by any means the sole gainer from the work of the Museum. To advance knowledge, to gradually extend the boundaries of learning, has been one of the gTeat tasks to which the Museum, in consonance with the spirit of the Institution, has set itself from the first. Its staff, though chiefly engaged in the duties incident to the care, classifica- tion, and labeling of collections in order that they may be accessible to the public and to students, has yet in these operations made im- portant discoveries in every department of the Museum's activities, which have in turn been communicated to other scholars through its numerous publications. But the collections have not been held for the study of the staff nor for the scientific advancement of those be- longing to the establishment. Most freely have the}^ been put at the disposal of investigators connected with other institutions, without whose help the record of scientific progi'ess based upon the material in the Museum would have been greatly curtailed. When it is pos- sible to so arrange, the investigator comes to Washington ; otherwise such collections as he needs are sent to him, whether he resides in this country or abroad. In this manner practically every prominent specialist throughout the world interested in the subjects here well represented has had some use of the collections and thereby the Na- tional Museum has come to be recognized as a conspicuous factor in the advancement of knowledge wherever civilization has a foothold. SUMMARY OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MUSEUM AND OF EECENT ACTIVITIES. The national collections originated in the extremely rich and varied series of specimens obtained during the four years' cruise of the United States Exploring Expedition, from 1838 to 1842, which, with many other objects, were exhibited in the great hall of the Patent Office for nearly two decades. In 1850 the Smithsonian Institution commenced to assemble material for investigation, in- augurating and cooperating in explorations for this purpose, chiefly in connection with Government surveys, but it was not until 1858 that the two collections were brought together under the perpetual custody of the Institution, in accordance with the terms of its foundation. The Smithsonian building had only recently been com- pleted, which was partly responsible for this delay, and in this structure the main hall was allotted to the display of specimens, the basement furnishing quarters for laboratories and for the storage of study series. At the end of 20 years, however, practically the entire building with the exception of its eastern wing had not only passed to the use of the Museum but had become greatly overcrowded. Up to this time the collections had related almost wholly to natural history and anthropology. The first of the buildings erected for purely museum purposes, a necessity forced upon the Government by the extensive donations received at the Centennial Exhibition of 1876, was made ready for occupation in 1881. The nature of the collections afl'orded by this Exhibition, and of others elsewhere obtained, rendered possible the organization of several divisions of the industrial arts, as already intimated and as designed by the first board of regents, to which was added a department of American history. The development of these branches was soon largely checked, however, and some of the more important were temporarily abandoned, because of the overflow of natural history and anthropological material from the Smithsonian building. Nearly 30 years more elapsed before relief was again secured through the building of the superb granite structure on the northern side of the Mall. Designed for the departments of biology, geology, and anthropology, and wholly required for their collections and activities, it has still been necessary to provisionally assign a certain amount of space to other purposes, as, for instance, to the National Gallery of Art. Among other advantages, this newest building is so 12 REPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1915. 13 arranged as to bring the public into closer relations with the objects of the Museum and to give greater popularity to its rich stores, through a more effective installation of its exhibits, and through the accommodations afforded for displaying loan collections and for meetings and lectures. Already filling to the extreme limit the area that can be granted it, the National Gallery of Art is greatly in need of an appropriate and adequate home, and, unless this be shortly provided it may be ex- pected that benefactors will cease to regard it with favor, as some have in the past, because of inability to take care of extensive collec- tions. In view of one of the very first mandates of the fundamental act, that ample provision be made for a gallery of art, it is hoped that a satisfactory solution of this problem may soon be reached. While on this subject it is j)leasing to note that Mr. Charles L. Freer has made progress with his plans for housing at his expense the rich collection of American and oriental art of which he has made a present to the people of the United States. This structure, to be of white marble and belong to the cluster of Museum buildmgs, is de- signed solely for the above purpose, however, and will afford no accommodations for other parts of the Gallery. With the broad subject of natural history provided for in the granite building, the two other buildings become wholly available for the arts and industries, with a single exception. The division of plants, including the National Herbarium, has been given possession of the upper story of the main section of the Smithsonian building, a hall 200 feet long by 50 feet wide, with some connecting rooms. This important branch has thus far been well accommodated in these quarters, but it is not expected to be so for long, as the collections are growing rapidly and the work is of great economic importance, es- pecially in its relations to the Department of Agi-iculture, of whose botanical materials it is the custodian. In other countries the na- tional herbarium is given great prominence, yet nowhere else is its significance as great as in this country. On the ground floor of the Smithsonian building are three principal subdivisions of space, the great main hall, the western hall and the connecting range. All of these have been assigned to the exhibition of the graphic arts, but owing to the renovation of the main hall, still in progress, the collections relating to this subject have been placed in some disorder. Under this heading are included not only the higher grades of engraving, printing and binding, but also all processes of reproduction down to the methods of rapid illustration resorted to by the newspapers of to-day. It is in the older Museum building that interest in the matter of new exhibits chiefly centers, though no subjects have yet been intro- 14 EEPOKT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM^ 1915. duced that were not recognized in the classification of 1881, or to some extent represented in the public displays of 25 to 30 years ago. Most prominent and most popular is the historical collection to which access is first gained from the main entrance. The memorial section, which occupies two halls, has been steadily increasing in importance and comprehensiveness for a long period. A recent addition has been a section of historical costumes, and also now for the first time have the extensive series of coins, medals and postal tokens been fully installed. While consisting mainly of loans, the exquisite assemblage of laces and other art textiles has come to be regarded as a permanent feature, and, in fact, it contains possessions of the Museum, especially in laces, of considerable variety and value. In what is called the ceramic gallery is displayed a large quantity of pottery, together with glass- ware, ivories, bronzes, lacquers, etc., which, while unworthy as a whole for a national museum, comprises some choice pieces and in some directions is comprehensive though not wholly representative. Adjoining is the exhibition of medicines, magic, psychic, and abo- riginal, as well as those recognized in modern pharmacology, form- ing an interesting object lesson for the public, though more impor- tant is the reserve collection of thoroughly identified drugs and drug plants of the world. Also installed in this building is the general and varied collection of musical instruments, and the unrivaled rep- resentation of the history of photography, in which the appliances and results of all periods are fully and well shown. Close by is another collection which is probably unsurpassed in this country — a remarkably rich assemblage of the objects of religious ceremonial, of wide range in its illustration and of great educational value. "\^T^ien, in the temporary dismantlement of many of the industrial branches over 20 years ago, it became necessary to place vast quan- tities of material in storage, certain classes of objects were allowed to remain, being administered under the head of mechanical tech- nologj^ The collections of this division have grown to a remarkable extent, and in some directions with such systematic eifort as to result in historical series of inestimable importance. In other direc- tions, however, through lack of means, it has been impossible to make any appreciable advancement, and for the same reasons and because of inadequate space it has been equally impossible to display or other- wise utilize all of this rather heterogeneous combination to the fullest advantage of the public. In electricity there is a very extensive representation of the history of the telegraph, including the oceanic cables, of the telephone, of the phonograph, etc., including hundreds of pieces of original experimental apparatus and of appliances that were actually employed at the very beginnings and at subsequent periods of these several lines of notable achievement. In small fire- EEPOET OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1915. 15 arms the collection is the most complete in this country. Among measuring devices, watch movements are especially to be noted. Land transportation is illustrated from the primitive forms, mostly shown by models, to the highly specialized methods of the present time, noteworthy features of the series being the first locomotive brought to this country, the application of eiectricitj'^, and the inven- tion of the gasoline automobile, of which the Museum possesses the first machine. The earliest successful experiments with the aero- drome are most effectively represented by examples of the Langley model forms which made actual flights, and by the first aeroplane purchased and used by any government. In marine navigation the primitive and early stages are well shown, as are also the beginnings of the use of steam and the development of sailing craft in this country down to a period of some 30 years ago. But the above fails to give anything like an adequate idea of the variety of invention in all the various fields covered by human ingenuity which are demon- strated by the collections of the division. Among the recently reorganized divisions are those of textiles and mineral technology, which are being built up on entirely new lines. For the former much of the material which had been in storage was found to be not only still presentable, but also of much historical significance. For the latter there was practically nothing from the old collections that could be used. Under the division of textiles have likewise been included, whether temporarily or permanently future circumstances will determine, several of the most important of the world's industries, having more or less close relations with the main subject from the nature of the substances involved, con- sisting of such animal and vegetable products as are not specifically assignable elsewhere in the Museum classification. Wood technology is one of these, offering a very wide field for educational presenta- tion. Foodstuff's, which result from and give rise to the greatest of all industries, form another, and after these come miscellaneous products, such as skins, furs, feathers, ivory and bone, pearl and sponges, in endless number and variety. In the first of these divisions attention has thus far been almost wholly directed to the develop- ment of the textile collections which are already very rich in manu- factured, and to some extent in hand made, products in every line and in every character of fiber, both native and foreign. It is the purpose to show the origin of the natural products, as the making of the silk cocoon, the growth of cotton and the taking of wool from the sheep, and thence to demonstrate each step in the process of spin- ning, weaving, coloring and decorating down to the finished fabric, and even to the garment ready for wear and utilization in other ways. Besides samples of standard goods and of everj'- class of 16 EEPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1915. novelties, there are being introduced into the collections machinery and appliances both of historic interest and of modern invention to illustrate the methods of manufacture, some of the latter being adapted for operation in public view, this being especially the case at present in regard to cotton, in which the processes can actually be carried on from the gin to the loom. While the subject of textile^ has been mainly promoted with reference to popular education, the division is accumulating a reserve series which in time will be of much service to manufacturers, as detailing the successive steps in the methods and results of production for a considerable term of years. The section of wood technology was only organized near the close of last year. Though comprehended in the former division of for- estry, very little material of public or even technical interest had been assembled. The action which the Museum is now taking toward bringing this subject to the front has been strongly advocated by the leading industrial journals for some years and has the support of prominent producers and users of wood throughout the country. The development of the collection will extend to all features of prac- tical significance pertaining to the industry. The first principal step is in the direction of securing a representation of all kinds of woods obtainable in this country and abroad that are useful for any pur- pose from the most humble to the most refined, the same to be sur- face finished in the several ways appropriate to each. It is promised that the current year will show marked progress with the series. Besides these samples, there are to be gathered illustrations of the various purposes to which wood is put, its miscellaneous products and extracts, manufacturing processes, etc., which, together with the records that should accompany such a collection, will make the sec- tion of wide practical utility. With regard to miscellaneous animal and vegetable products very little progress has been made beyond installing such of the former collections as were found in good condition, though in a few subjects some important materials have been added. The old collection of foods had so deteriorated in storage that only a small part can be used, except in the matter of Indian foods, which could not be re- placed, and which are, fortunately, mainly preserved. In mineral technology, the former collection of metallurgical prod- ucts has given place to an entirely new scheme of presentation of the great industries which are covered by this division. The minerals and ores in all their varieties are included in the department of geology in the new building and are not duplicated here except where necessary to specifically illustrate an industrial process or feature. It is the aim of the division, whose collections will be mainly on ex- hibition, to illustrate the manner of occurrence of all minerals of EEPOKT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1915. 17 economic importance, the methods of mining or extraction from the ground, the processes of manufacture and refining, and the finished products, including the by-products. As will be realized, this plan must chiefly be carried out by means of models, occupying the bulk of the exhibition space and constituting a series of features so strik- ing and so replete with novelties as to furnish a most effective object lesson not only for the casual visitor but for the student and expert as well. The installations so far made indicate the great possibilities of the future in teaching, as clearly and truthfully as is possible within the limited compass of a museum, the varied activities attend- ant upon the preparation of mineral substances for the use of man. The main details of the entire plan were outlined in advance, and though only started within a short time, the work has gone forward so rapidly that a large number of the prominent exhibits are already completed and placed. These have served to so arouse the interest and secure the aid of mining and manufacturing companies that still greater progress may be expected hereafter. Besides the collections, the division is assembling the informa- tion necessary for the preparation of descriptive accounts of the several mineral industries, which cannot fail to be of great service in technological teaching. 12264°— NAT Mus 1915 2 OPEEATIONS OF THE YEAE. APPROPRIATIONS. The items of appropriation for the maintenance and operations of the National Musemn for the year covered by this report, namely, from July 1, 1914, to June 30, 1915, contained in the sundry civil act approved August 1, 1914, were as follows : Preservation of collections $300, 000 Furniture and fixtures 25,000 Heating and lighting 46,000 Building repairs 10,000 Purchase of books 2,000 Postage 500 Printing and binding 37,500 Total 421,000 BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT. As explained in previous reports, both the roofs and skylights on the new building developed serious and extensive defects which were first observed at an early date, and much work has been done from time to time toward remedying these conditions. During last year it was necessary to refasten 4,018 lineal feet and to replace with new material 116 feet of the copper roofing. Following an experiment made the previous year, one entire side of the large skylight over the north wing was remodeled, and, it is thought, in a manner that will prove satisfactory. The original construction was so faulty and in- adequate, however, as to require the substitution of new cross and condensation gutters, new copper cap and glass rests, heavier lead washers under the nuts of the bolts, and thicker strips of lead between the glass and the ribs. The section attended to represents only one- sixth of the skylight area, all of which. should receive the same treatment. The exterior of the metal frames of all the large win- dows in the first and second stories of the new building were given a coat of aluminum paint. In the older Museum building about 4,000 square feet of unpro- tected ceiling, mainly in the courts, were covered with beaded sheet metal, the same as has been used elsewhere, to prevent the falling of old and decomposed plaster. The terra cotta and marble floors in the rotunda and main halls, which had become badly worn and broken, were extensively repaired, requiring the replacing of about 1,000 of 18 KEPORT OP NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1915. 19 the tiles and marble slabs. There was much to do in the pointing up and painting of walls and ceilings, and the tin roofs over the various sections of the building were treated with flexible metallic paint. The old cement water table along the western side of the building was replaced with granolithic pavement for half its length. The principal repairs in the Smithsonian building under the regu- lar appropriation consisted in the replacing of certain badly rotted or wornout floors in the basement and in the second story of the main structure. More extensive and important repairs and alterations, however, were carried on under specific appropriations, one having reference solely to the exterior, the other to the interior of the build- ing. Under the first, the stone walls were thoroughly pointed up with cement mortar, the original lime mortar used 65 years ago having lost its strength, and in many places having been entirely washed out between the stones; loose stones, which occurred abundantly in the battlements, were reset, broken ones being replaced ; the roofs at the east end of the building and on several of the towers were repaired or replaced, and new fiinials of aluminum were provided for three of the latter; a large number of windows were repaired or rebuilt; the areaways were repaired and most of the entrance steps were reset; and a granolithic water table was laid along the north and west sides of the building where the foundations were not protected by areaway constructions. The above repairs were very necessary to the preservation of the Smithsonian building, of which the exterior masonry and the windows have given much concern for a long time. Sections of this building were completed in succession between 1848 and 1855, since which latter date the exterior walls, ex- cept to a limited extent, have never received any serious attention. Following the great fire of 1865 the walls of the main section of the building were carefully scrutinized and were in part reinforced, but evidences of the ravages of the fire have been plainly apparent until now. The other changes in the Smithsonian building specifically author- ized by Congress have been in progress during two years and will not be completed until some time in the current year. They relate en- tirely to the main hall, which was fitted up under an act of Congress for the first exhibitions by the National Museum in 1857 and 1858, since which time there had been no essential alteration in the arrange- ments. The room was originally provided with a gallery and with series of cases on the two floors thus formed, both of which were in- strumental in cutting off a large part of the light from the middle portion of the room. The upper exhibition cases were removed some years ago, but without a very measurable effect. In accordance with the plans now being carried out, the galleries have been entirely removed, as have also all fixed exhibition cases. Steel book stacks 20 EEPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1915. have been erected at each end, extending to the ceiling and encroach- ing upon the floor space to an extent of 59 feet. Steel bookcases also occupy the wall space on both sides of the remaining area, but there is left a grand hall 141 feet long by 50 feet wide, broken only by the two longitudinal rows of large piers joined by arches above. The nave and aisles thus formed will be available for Museum exhibits as heretofore, though not to the same extent. As has been customary for several years, the steam and power plant was shut down during the months of July and August to per- mit of the uninterrupted repair and cleaning of the plant, the elec- tric current required during that period being supplied by one of the local power companies at the low rate of 2| cents per kilowatt hour. The repairs called for were mostly unimportant, but con- siderable changes were made in the steam connections with the older buildings. By the introduction of a reducing and other valves the steam pressure in those buildings has been reduced from 100 to 60 pounds, resulting in an appreciable saving in the amount of steam consumed, and permitting the keeping on of steam in those build- ings continuously throughout the cold weather. This latter advan- tage has made it possible to eliminate a considerable proportion of the radiators in the older Museum building, while in the Smith- sonian building the radiator system in the main hall was entirely changed to accommodate it to the other alterations there in progress. Improvements were also made in the heating conduits to the older and outlying buildings. The total amount of coal used for both heating and electric generating purposes was 2,989 tons. It is gratifying to note a considerable reduction in the cost of producing electric current during the year, which was at the rate of 2.4208 cents per kilowatt hour, as compared with 2.736 cents the previous year. This was owing to the lower price of coal and to a more uniform electric load. The ice i)lant also continued to work satisfactorily and economically, 302 tons of ice having been pro- duced at a total expense of $716,21, or at the rate of $2.37 a ton. The fire apparatus was maintained in good condition, and additional extinguishers were provided for the older buildings. The ventila- tion of the public toilet rooms in the basement of the Smithsonian building having been noticeably imperfect, new ducts were con- structed, connected with the old smoke flue from the furnace, and a fan for producing forced draft was introduced, which will greatly improve the conditions. The motors attached to the large ventilat- ing fans in the attic of the new building have given such constant trouble that steps were under way at the close of the year to replace them with others of an improved pattern. Many minor changes and improvements were made in connection with the plumbing, especially in the matter of furnishing hot water for the comfort REPORT OF NATION-AL MHJSEUM, 1915. 21 rooms and domestic purposes during the period when the heating boilers are not in operation. Sanitary fountains similar to those placed some time ago in the new building, but of a somewhat simpler design, were installed in the older buildings, and the use of drinking cups by visitors has been discontinued. The principal articles of furniture acquired during the year con- sisted of 18 exhibition cases, 193 storage cases and pieces of labora- tory furniture, 58 pieces of ofRce and miscellaneous furniture, 2,158 wooden unit drawers, 500 insect drawers and 508 drawers of special construction. These were partly obtained by contract and partly built in the Museum shops. A very important part of the work, mostly done in the Museum shop, consisted in the remodeling of old cases, especially for the art-industrial collections. Repair work was also extensive, as was the construction of exhibition bases and of furnishings and fittings for the interior of cases. A number of arti- cles were condemned and disposed of as of no further use or value, among these having been the exhibition cases erected in 1857 in the main hall of the Smithsonian building, as before mentioned. An in- vehtory of the principal furniture on hand at the close of the year shows 3,483 exhibition cases, 7,018 storage cases and pieces of labora- tory furniture, 3,414 pieces of office and miscellaneous furniture, 42,214 unit specimen drawers of wood, 4,712 unit specimen drawers of steel, 8,939 insect drawers, and 17,902 miscellaneous specimen drawers and boxes of various kinds. COLLECTIONS. The additions to the collections, received in 1,481 accessions, aggre- gated approximately 304,647 specimens, not including loans. These specimens were apportioned among the several branches of the Museum to wdiich they pertained as follows: Anthropology, 15,140; zoology, 101,928; botany, 51,295; geology and mineralogy, 4,003; paleontology, 129,981; textiles and animal and vegetable products, 1,511; mineral technology, 607; National Gallery of Art, 122. The divisions most favored by increases in point of numbers were paleon- tology, with nearly 130,000 specimens; marine invertebrates, with over 70,000 specimens; and plants, with over 51,000 specimens; but in other subjects the additions were also large and valuable, the philatelic collection having been enriched by 8,508 stamps, stamped envelopes and postal cards. The loans totaled 1,760 objects, of which 125 consisted of paintings and sculptures for the National Gallery of Art ; 200, of laces, embroideries, tapestries, etc., for the art textile collection ; and 176, of articles for the historical costume collection ; the remainder having been accepted for exhibition mainly in the divisions of history, ethnology, the graphic arts and ceramics. 22 REPORT OP NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1915. The number of separate lots of material received for examination and report amounted to 790, of which about 64 per cent were geo- logical and 28 per cent biological. DEPARTMENT OF ANTHROPOLOGY. Ethnology. — Thirty-nine accessions, comprising 1,457 specimens, constituted the additions to this division. Gifts were more numerous than usual, the more important ones being the following : From the Misses Elizabeth L., Mary and Grace Lyon, of Baltimore, Md., 641 examples of Japanese art assembled about 30 years ago by the late J. Crawford Lyon, and consisting of helmets, helmet crests and face pieces, stirrups, spears, staffs, sword guards and ornaments, knife handles, etc. ; from Dr. W. L. Abbott, a series of baskets, bark cloth, sword hilts in process of making, quivers for blowgun darts, musical instruments, and other objects, collected in Dutch Borneo by Mr. H. C. Raven; from Mr. Herbert E. Winlock, of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, examples of modern Egyptian clothing collected by the donor; and from Mrs. Estelle Palmer, of Chicago, 111., a collec- tion of objects from the Plains Indians, including an historical paint- ing on elk sldn, a curious old saddle, bow, arrow, Imives, ornaments, etc., which had belonged to the late Maj. George Henry Palmer, U. S. Army. An important addition, obtained by purchase, consists of musical instruments, household articles, tools and other objects from the Ute Indians of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation, southeastern Utah, which are especially valuable on account of the care with which they were brought together. The principal loans comprised ornaments, costumes, pouches, baskets, a chicken trap, a two-headed drum and a variety of weap- ons, from the Bagobo tribe of southern Mindanao, P. I., received from Miss Elizabeth H. and Miss Sarah S. Metcalf, of Worcester, Mass.; ethnological objects from Abyssinia, consisting of a number of royal presents given to the lender during his stay at the Court of Menelek, such as spears, silver overlaid shields, a dagger, basket, ornaments, etc., received from Mr. Hoffman Philip; and a large series of ethnological and historical material, besides objects of art, from Japan, China, Egypt and Europe, received from Mrs. Allan McLane, of Washington. The most important work of the year was the preparation of exhibits for the Panama-Pacific Exposition at San Francisco, all of which will be returned to the Museum. The principal features are four family lay-figin^e groups, corresponding in type to those now ex- hibited in the Museum, and representing the Carib Indians of British Guiana, the Dyaks of Borneo, the Zulu-Kaffirs of South Africa and the western Eskimo. Accompanjdng them are ten village groups. EEPOET OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1915. 23 four illustrative of the tribes mentioned and the others of the Iro- quois, the Navaho, the Seminoles, the Chippewa, the Samoans and the Hawaiians. In addition to these, there are a large number of aboriginal objects and several synoptic series desigTied to represent the development of the knife, the saw, the European and American ax, the spindle, the shuttle and fire-making apparatus. Fifty-two lantern slides of Museum exhibits in the department of anthro- pology were also made for use in a stereomotorgraph. Investigations relative to the material culture of the Hopi as exemplified in the collections were conducted by the curator of the division, Dr. "Walter Hough. This work is an elaboration of the catalogues of the late James Stevenson, extended by the subsequent information acquired by the curator both in museum and field re- search. He also made a special study of the effect of the discovery of fire-making methods on the early distribution of man, the results of which have been prepared for publication. Dr. Gudmud Hatt, of Copenhagen, made a study of the arctic clothing in the collection- Other distinguished ethnologists from abroad who visited the Museum were Dr. K. R. Marett, Dr. ^Y. H. R. Rivers, Mr. E. Sidney Hartland and Miss Adele Breton, of England; and Dr. F. von Luschan, of Berlin, Germany. American archeology. — The most noteworthy accession of the year was a large collection of American archeological specimens, obtained in exchange from the Panama-California Exposition, consisting of implements and other objects of stone, hematite and copper from various localities in the United States, and specimens of obsidian, copper and terra cotta from Mexico. Among the more important items are a series of the large chipped blades of chert (agricultural implements) from the Ohio and Mississippi valleys, including both oval and notched types and many showing the high polish due to long continued use; chipped disks, thin leaf -shaped blades, spear- heads, arrov\'points, drills, scrapers, etc., mainly from the western States although the eastern and southern States are also represented ; a cache of 44 rhyolite blades from North Carolina; large polished stone celts or hatchets from Illinois, discoidal stones from Illinois and Tennessee, a bannerstone from Missouri, and a drilled amulet from Tennessee. Many specimens from the United States and Mexico were likewise received in exchange from the Naturhistoriska Riksmuseum, Stockholm, Sweden. Those from the United States consisted of large stone celts, grooved axes and adzes, bannerstones, discoidal stones, hematite axes and celts, large chert blades, oval and notched agricultural implements, spearheads, arrowpoints, scrapers, stone pestles, etc. ; while those from Mexico comprised stone celts, carved stone pendants, blades, scrapers, etc., of obsidian and flint, terra cotta molds, stamps, and spindle whorls. 24 REPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1915. A collection from the Lower Mimbres Valley, N. Mex., transferred by the Bureau of American Ethnology, contains a quantity of pottery displajdng a distinct type of decoration and therefore constituting a valuable addition. A bannerstone of rose quartz, a very remarkable Indian relic and probably one of the finest examples of its kind yet brought to light, found on the farm of Mr. W. E. Trice, Woodruff County, Ark., was obtained by purchase, as were three metal objects, one of gold and two of gilded copper, from Chiriqui, Province of Panama, the first a bird image, the other two consisting of two figures connected by wire scroll work and a winged figure also with wire scroll work. There were two principal gifts. The first consisted of a remarkable jade ax, one of the largest pieces of worked jade so far received by the Museum, from Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, a small stone celt from Ahuachapan, San Salvador, and a clay figurine from Tepecoyo, in the same country, presented by Mr. Emilio Mosonyi, of San Salvador. The other was a large potterj^^ vase from a mound in Marion County, Tenn., donated by Mr. Clarence B. Moore, of Phila- delphia, Pa. The condition of the display and study collections was much im- proved. A number of new acquisitions and many specimens selected from the reserve series were added to the exhibition series and several new cases were installed. Three groups illustrating aborigi- nal quarry and mining methods, namely, a soapstone quarry group, an iron-paint mining group, and a copper mining group, were com- pleted. They are shown in large floor cases and not only make an attractive display but are of much educational value. The head curator, Mr. William H. Holmes, who retains personal charge of the American archeological collections, continued his study of the stone implements, with the view of embodying the re- sults in the Handbook of American Antiquities in preparation for publication by the Bureau of American Ethnology. Old World archeology. — Of 8 accessions, the most important were an exchange and a gift. The former, from Dr. A. Eutot, of the Royal Museum of Natural History at Brussels, consisted of 90 Neolithic stone implements from Belgium, representing the first epoch of polished stone culture in Europe, laiown as the " Spien- nian," and serving to round out the prehistoric series from that coun- try. The latter, from Mr. Herbert E. Clark, of Jerusalem, was cornposed of 19 stone implements, hand axes of the Acheulean type, chisels, etc., forming a valuable addition to the present collection from Palestine. The routine work consisted mainly in perfecting the exhibition collections and preparing labels. The latter included especially a series descriptive of the various groups which, with the aid of the exhibits, serves to convey to the visitor a good idea of the character REPOKT OP iTATlONAL MUSEUM, 1915. 25 and state of advancement of the several phases of prehistoric culture from the known beginnings down to the beginning of the Iron Age in the Lake-dwelling and Terramare periods. The prehistoric re- mains from Italy were installed and labeled. On a screen placed in the north court were mounted, on one side, the drawing of the mosaic map of Palestine, and, on the other, the Canopus Stone and tw.o other Egyptian reliefs, representing ancient Egj^ptian sledges and boats and the human figures working them. The classification of the prehistoric reserve material and its arrangement in storage bases, begun the previous year, was completed. Aside from the studies required for the appropriate recording and labeling of material, a descriptive account of the colored drawing of the ancient Medeba mosaic map of Palestine was prepared for publi- cation by the assistant curator in charge of the division, Dr. I. M. Casanowicz. Physical antJiTO'pology. — Skeletal material from a Minsi burial place on the Jersey side of the Delaware River opposite Minnisink Island, three miles below Montague, N. J., constituted one of the most complete and carefully recorded collections of such specimens so far acquired by the division. It was received as a gift from Mr. George G. Heye, of New York. Similar material from Alabama and Ten- nessee was contributed by Mr. Clarence B. Moore, of Philadelphia, Pa.; 8 prehistoric skeletons and 4 skulls from Bohemia were ob- tained from Prof. J. Matiegka, of the University of Prague; and 3 nearly complete and 4 partial human skeletons were collected in JMontana by Mr. C. W. Gilmore, of the INIuseum staff. Dr. Ales Hrdlicka, curator, assembled 250 samples of hair from representa- tives of old American families and others; and Prof. R. E. Bean, of the Medical School of Tulane Universit}'', presented a large number of anatomical specimens. The collections of the division are in excellent condition with re- spect both to preservation and accessibility, the reserve material, ap- propriately arranged in storage drawers, being reasonably safe from dust and deterioration. Much advance was made in the repair, cata- loguing and study of the older collections. Twelve exhibition cases placed in the hallway of the third floor were installed with Indian busts and wdth series of specimens relating to early man, to develop- ment and variation in the brain and in the principal long bones, to variation in human hair, and to prehistoric American surgery of the skull. During the early part of the year the curator gave largely of his time toward completing an anthropological exhibit for the Panama- California Exposition at San Diego, Cal., funds for which were pro- vided by the exposition. His principal researches related to the valu- able collection of skeletal material from New Jersey, presented by 26 REPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1&15. Mr. George G. Heye, with which considerable progress was made; and to " Old Americans," or American families of at least three generations in this country, the latter being in continuation of work previously begim. One hundred males and the same number of females have been studied and a resume of the results, intended for presentation at the forthcoming International Congress of American- ists, is in course of preparation. Dr. Hrdlicka was in San Diego, Cal., from November 18th to January 18th, installing the anthropological exhibits at the exposi- tion, and he also lectured on subjects connected with his division in several western cities. Later in the year he visited a number of mu- seums for the purpose of examining skeletal remains of eastern Indians, and made a trip to the White Earth and Leech Lake reser- vations in Minnesota for the Department of Justice, with the object of determining the proportion of pure and mixed bloods among the Chippewa Indians. Mechanical technology. — The additions of the j^ear, comprised in 40 accessions, included many articles of exceptional value. Of great- est interest was a collection of 280 pieces of experimental phono- gi'aphic apparatus, and several relics connected with the early history of the telephone, the gift of Dr. Alexander Graham Bell. Among the other noteworthy acquisitions were many surveying instruments and 7 pocket chronometers of historical importance, transferred by the U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey ; 23 guns and 1 sword deposited by the Navy Department; 1 United States magazine rifle, deposited by the War Department; an equatorial sextant and solar compass pre- sented by Miss Elizabeth B. Burt, of Washington ; a sundial calcu- lated for Valencia, Spain, the gift of Mr. Claude L. WooUey, of Baltimore, Md. ; a gasoline automobile of date 1896, contributed by the Olds Motor AVorks, of Lansing, Mich. ; a comptometer presented by the Felt and Tarrant Manufacturing Co., of Chicago, 111.; a talking machine donated by the American Graphophone Company, of Bridgeport, Conn. ; and 6 target rifles lent by the National Rifle Association of America. Good progress was made toward perfecting the installation of the exhibition collections, in connection with which it was necessary to bring more recent acquisitions into proper relationship with earlier ones, and as a whole a more systematic arrangement of the material has been secured. Important readjustments were effected in the col- lections of telephone apparatus, talking machines, watches, railroad apparatus and firearms. Gratifying progress was also made in the labeling of exhibits and in collecting data required in perfecting the records. Investigations relating to the various subjects coming within the scope of the division, by the curator, Mr. George C. Maynard, re- EEPOET OF NATION- AL MUSEUM, 1915. . 27 suited not only in securing many interesting specimens for the Museum but also in obtaining information regarding the existence of others which are especially desirable. Musical instruments. — ^Last year was a signally propitious one for the section of musical instruments, which received from a single source, as described below, a much more extensive and far richer ad- dition to its collection than ever before. The other accessions com- prised a reed hand organ and a pianola with six music rolls, the gift of Mrs. Julian James, of Washington; a musical instrument, sup- posed to be Javanese, contributed by Mrs. John Crosby Brown, of New York; three violins used by G. Napoleone Carozzi, donated in his name by his widow, Mrs. Mary W. Carozzi, of Portland, Oreg. ; and an old Maya drum, called Sacatan, presented by Mr. Arthur P. Eice, of Brookline, Mass. The important contribution first referred to was a gift from Mr. Hugo Worch, of Washington, of a large series of antique pianos of both foreigTi and American make, including a number of examples manufactured during the latter part of the 18th century. It was about 25 years ago that Mr. Worch began the assembling of these instruments, with the view of preparing a history of the American pianoforte ; and in order to secure to the public the permanent pres- ervation of these valuable objects, which have been gathered with- out regard to time or expense, he generously tendered to the Museum the entire collection or such part of it as could be accommodated. In the selection that is being made, special attention is paid to those items of native makers whose reputations are closely linked with the progi-ess and development of the American pianoforte industry. They illustrate particularly the important steps that have been taken, with such intermediate gi-adations as seem most worthy of being rep- resented. During the year the installation has been steadily progress- ing, the first gallery in the rotunda of the new building having been assigned to this purpose. Seventy instruments have already been definitely selected, though not all of these had been delivered at the close of the year. As Mr. Worch has desired to have the cabinet work of all restored as nearly as possible to its original condition, it will be realized that some time must elapse before the entire arrangement can be perfected; but nevertheless a large part of the selection will be kept on view, whether restored or not. While only a few of the instruments remain in a playing condition, the mechanical parts are all sufficiently well preserved to demonstrate their character and variations. To the instruments themselves will be added several hundred pho- tographs, showing every phase of the pianoforte industry prior to 1850, making the collection the largest and most unique of its kind. 28 repor:^ op national museum, 1915. By this generous and public-spirited gift, Mr. Worch has made himself one of the notable benefactors of the Museum, and especially in a line in which the Museum has been particularly deficient. The public can scarcely fail to realize the significance of his donation, not consisting of isolated objects, however valuable they might be, but of a definite and well-ordered collection, illustrating by actual examples the history of an industry dear to the hearts of all civilized peoples. We must wait upon Mr. Worch for a detailed account of his studies and his collection. Below is given a list of the instruments referred to, of which 46 are American and 24 European. It has been prepared from a preliminary catalogue furnished by the donor, and while neither descriptive nor comparative, it contains a few remarks of general interest. The foreign pianos have been allowed to precede those of American make as they furnish earlier dates, but in most cases it has been impossible to fix the dates with absolute definiteness. The foreign instruments are from Germany, and from Vienna, Aus- tria : London, England ; and Paris, France. The American are from Philadelphia, New York Citj, Baltimore, Boston, Cincinnati, Nor- wich, Conn., and Concord, N. H. The list is as follows : Germany and Austria. — A German square piano, maker's name unknown, about 1770; the instrument, which is richly inlaid and in fine condition, is a rare specimen of its class of work. L. H. Mueller^ Bremen, German hammer clavier. No. 83, about 1785; a good type of German squares made at that time. Martin Seilffert^ Vienna, up- right piano, about 1812; pianos of this type, because of their peculiar shape, were laiown as " Giraffe Grand " ; the maker gives notice on the name plate that this instrument was invented by him. Har- monium of unknown German make, about 1825. Andre Stem^ Vienna, square, about 1833 ; Viennese action, of which Johann Stein, father of Andre, was the inventor. The two most popular foreign instruments in this country from 1825 to 1840 were those of Stein of Vienna, and Rosenkranz of Leipzig. Stein's reputation in Europe was proverbial for the excellence of his work, and the importation of Stein instruments into the United States exceeded that of any other foreign make. London, England. — Longman & Broder-i'p^ two examples, both square, one about 1785, the other, No. 424, finished in 1796, the former being one of the earliest types of this establishment which was founded by James Longman in 1767. Lodiner^ square, about 1785 ; the name is doubtless fictitious. Cr. Ganer, square. No. 456, about 1788 ; an excellent example of one of London's pioneer piano makers. Culliford^ Rolfe <& Barroii\ two square pianos, one about 1790, the other about 1795. Robert & William Gray, square, about 1795. Johannes Broadwood, square, finished in 1798. The style of EEPOKT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1915. 29 action shown by this instrument, mop stick with individual brass dampers for each key, was copied by both Albrecht and Taws of Philadelphia in their earlier pianos, and they were perhaps the only American makers to adopt this system of damping. John Broad- wood & Sons, makers to His Majesty and the Princesses, square, No. 420, about 1805. William Southwell, square, about 1805. This maker was noted for his many innovations in piano construction. Astor <& Co., square. No. 3243, about 1805. This firm was founded by George Astor at the beginning of the 19th century, and also dealt in brass instruments, dementi & Co., square, about 1810. Thomas Tomkison, maker to His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, square, about 1810. Wilkinson <£• Wornum, upright. No. 17, about 1810 ; one of the first small English uprights made. Robert Wornum, upright, about 1816. Wornum was the first to introduce the small upright, named by him the "piccolo." He was one of England's leading inventors, and many ingenious devices attributed to him were adopted by both foreign and American piano manufacturers. Dale, Cockerill & Co., upright. No. 455, about 1825. Collard