An Historical and Descriptive Account of The Field Columbian Museum
An Historical and Descriptive Account of The Field Columbian Museum
An Historical and Descriptive Account of The Field Columbian Museum
AN
HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE
ACCOUNT OF THE
Chicago, U. S. A.
Decembesr, 1894.
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AN
HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE
ACCOUNT OF THE
Chicago, U. S A.
December, 1894.
INDEX TO CONTENTS.
PAGE
The Board of Trustees '
5
Staff of the jVIuseiim 6
Introductory 7
Proceedings of Opening Day p
History of Collections Presented to the Museum through Exposi-
tion Departments.
The Latin- American Department 19
Agriculture and Forestry 23
Mines, Mining and Metallurgy 27
Ethnology and Archaeology 35
Transportation Exhibits 39
Description of Museum Departments.
Exposition Memorial 43
Columbus Memorial 4^
Geology 49
Botany and Plant Economics 57
Zoology 65
Ornithology 68
Anthropolog^v 71
Industrial Arts 77
Textiles 77
Gems and Jewels 79
Ceramics 82
Transportation 83
The Railway 85
The Library 89
OFFICERS.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
Harlow N. Higinbotham.
Edward E. Ayer. Norman B. Ream.
Owen F. Alois. Martin A. Ryerson.
FINANCE COMMITTEE.
Norman Williams.
Watson F. Blair. Huntington W. Jackson.
COMMITTEE ON BUILDING.
George E. Adams.
William J. Chalmers. Cyrus H. McCormick.
AUDITING COMMITTEE.
DIRECTOR,
Frederick J. V. Skiff.
DEPARTMENT OF ANTHROPOLOGY,
W, H, Holmes, Curator.
DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY,
O. C. Earrington, Curator.
H, W, Nichols, Curator of Economic Geology.
DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY.
C. F, MiLLSPAUGH, Curator.
DEPARTMENT OF ORNITHOLOGY.
C. B. Cory, Curator. G. K. Cherrie, Asst. Curator.
THE LIBRARY,
E. L. BuRCHARD, Recorder and Librarian.
INTRODUCTORY.
tution and it is with this idea that the series of publications has been
projected. They are offered for gratuitous distribution and the
broadest possible circulation and the freest use is requested for the
information, theories or suggestions they contain.
In order that a careful record of the early history of the move-
ment that resulted in the establishment of the. Museum may be
preserved to the future, it has been deemed fitting to devote the first
number to an account of its brief history and dedication. The exer-
cises of the opening day are therefore presented in detail, inasmuch
as the addresses upon that occasion summed up the facts of interest
and of historical significance in connection with the growth of the
plan for a museum to commemorate the World's Columbian Expo-
sition, and to create an additional factor in the world's educational
equipment.
Advantage is also taken of this opportunity to perpetuate in
type the services so ably and unselfishly performed by the officers of
the Exposition prior to and after the close of the Exposition in awak-
ening an interest among the exhibitors and securing to the Museum
what they could obtain from the contributions given them. Their
devotion to the cause of culture and education and their patriotic
interest have preserved in the Museum the wonderful collections of
the Exposition that so easily might have been divided, dissipated or
lost altogether.
The historical accounts of the collections presented to the Museum
through the several Exposition Departments that fill some thirty
pages of this number will, therefore, serve in some measure as an
acknowledgment to those workers whose names in this connection
might otherwise remain unknown. The names of contributors have
already been made public in the pages of the Guide issued on the
Opening Day.
In order to furnish contemporary institutions and the world at
large a more exact idea of the Museum and its contents, the officers
and staff have prepared a series of articles descriptive of the several
departments, and several exterior and interior views have been
inserted. The descriptions are much condensed, and necessarily
incomplete, but they give in general a faithful and comprehensive
review of the collections and of their arrangement.
Although but seven months have elapsed since the doors of the
Museum were publicly thrown open, a course of popular lectures
have been inaugurated, a publication series established, and several
scientific expeditions sent into the field for augmenting its collec-
tions. In these and other directions, the Field Columbian Museum
is advancing along the path marked out for it and performing its
part in adding to the wealth of western civilization and culture.
PROCEEDINGS OF OPENING DAY.
has been discussed with more or less definiteness of purpose. If I have been careful
in looking backward, the first publication in its behalf was a communication from Pro-
fessor Putnam of Cambridge, Mass., printed in the Chicago Tribune in May, 1890.
On two occasions in the same year the professor spoke in favor of a museum, and in
November, 1891, upon invitation of Hon. William T. Baker, addressed the Commer'
cial Club on the same subject.
In April, 1891, Director Goode, of the National Museum, visited Chicago in con-
nection with some government function related to the Exposition, and in conversation
with Mr. W. Ellsworth recommended the immediate appointment of a committee to
J.
foster a museum
organization. Mr. Ellsworth, from the date of the interview with
Professor Goode, became an active advocate of a museum as the outgrowth of the
exposition. He at that time was a member of the foreign affairs committee of the
exposition directory. President Baker was the chairman of the committee, and Mr.
Ryerson. Mr. Lefens, Mr. Higinbotham and others enlisted in behalf of this early
work of promotion. And from almost the formation of the Exposition, in asking .
appropriations from the directory and in outlining foreign work, this committee kept
in view the museum that was to be established
This was especially indicated by purchases made abroad and in the equipment of
both the anthropological and the transportation departments. As an outgrowth of the
policy of this committee of the directory, and at the suggestion of William E. Curtis
to Mr. Baker and Mr. Higinbotham of the directory, the Columbian Historical Asso-
ciation was incorporated in Washington early in 1892. This was at a time when the
Latin- American department of the Exposition commenced to receive articles collected
by commissioners in South and Central America, and much difficulty was exper-
its
10
was unquestionably the first expenditure made in the interests of the museum. The
general expenses of the Columbian Historical Association were paid from the govern-
ment appropriation for the Department of State.
Almost in conjunction with the formation of this important auxiliary, Representa-
tive McMurdy, of the Hyde Park representative election district, introduced a bill in
the Illinois state legislature providing for the establishment of museums in public
parks and stipulating under what conditions and in what manner they might be con-
ducted. The measure was a popular one and became a law early in June following.
Later in the year, through the instrumentality of S. C. Eastman, Mr. McMurdy and
F. A. Riddle, the question was submitted to the people in the three park districts and
the vote was almost unanimously in the affirmative.
The active agitation of the museum idea in the press sprang from a letter pub-
lished by S. C. Eastman the Tribune in July, 1893, followed almost immediately
in
by a series of strong editorials in the Herald. In fact all of the Chicago press were
zealous friends of the museum, and aided the quickening of public interest in every
way. As a result of this public discussion, and of numerous private consultations.
J.
W. Scott introduced a resolution at a meeting of the directors of the Exposition,
providing for the appointment of a committee of three to form an organization of the
citizens looking to the crystalization of the sentiment of the community. The com-
mittee consisted of George R. Davis, H. N. Higinbotham and This was
J.
W. Scott.
on August 11, 1893, Three days afterward a circular was issued by this committee
calling a meeting of citizens who might be interested, at the Administration Building.
" to adopt measures in immediate aid of the project to establish in Chicago a great
museum that shall be a fitting memorial of the World's Columbian Exposition and a
permanent advantage and honor to the city."
Accordingly, on the evening of August 17, a public meeting attended by about
one hundred of the prominent citizens of Chicago was held in the office of the direc-
tor general in the Administration building on the exposition grounds. Director Gen-
eral Davis presided and Mr. S. C. Eastman acted as secretary. The first proposition
was to enlarge the scope of the Columbian Historical Society. This was opposed on
the ground that it was incorporated in Washington. The second suggestion was to
operate under the charter of the Academy of Sciences in this city but this plan was
opposed, especially by President Higinbotham, who spoke very earnestly in favor of a
new and strong organization, independent of educational institutions, locality, creed
or calling, strong enough to stand alone, and large enough to take in everything.
This suited the temper of the meeting and prevailed, and the following committee
was appointed to' take the necessary steps to incorporate a museum: G. E. Adams,
EC. Hirsch, J. A. Roche. C. H. Harrison, S. C. Eastman, E. C. Bartlett, A. C. Mc-
Clurg, R. McMurdy and C. Fitzsimmons. Mr. McClurg afterward withdrew and E.
E. Ayer was appointed in his place. The same evening the director-general and the
chiefs of the departments were requested to organize for the solicitation of contribu-
tions of exhibits.
Up to this time the museum had many names. The Museum of Antiquities
Columbus Memorial Museum, World's Exposition Memorial Museum, Columbus
Museum of America, Chicago Columbian Museum, etc. August 21st the citizens'
committee, above referred to, in preparing their application for articles of incorpora-
11
Application for a charter was forwarded to Springfield Sept. 16.
R- McMurdy of this committee prepared and sent to the Illinois delegates in
Congress a joint resolution instructing the Treasury Department to admit all goods in-
tended for museums or educational institutions free of duty. This resolution was
promptly passed the following week.
Sept. 4, director-general and chief of departments of the Exposition met
the
to outline their work on the grounds, and appointed an executive committee to prose-
cute securing exhibits for the museum. Of this committee Director-General Davis
was chairman, Professor F. W. Putnam vice-chairman, S. C. Eastman secretary, and
F. J. V. Skiff, William E. Curtis and S. H. Peabody, the other members. At a subse-
quent meeting Mr. Curtis withdrew and Willard A. Smith was appointed in his place.
This executive committee took up the work of actively canvassing for donations of
exhibits to the museum.
In fact the zeal of the chiefs in this behalf was so great as to seriously interfere
with their duties as exposition officials. However, the sentiment was so unanimous,
and the interest in the museum project was so intense, that encouragement was not
lacking from any source to do anything that was necessary to aid the cause. Letters
were written in every direction, circulars were dispatched everywhere, portions of
the grounds and sections of the buildings were made into districts, and personal ap-
peals made by the officers and attaches of every department of the Exposition. Meet-
ings of the executive committee were held frequently, and members of the committee
were in constant communication with the new trustees of the museum corporation.
The corporation in the meantime had effected a temporary organization by the
election of Edwin Walker Eastman as secretary, and the appoint-
as chairman, S. C.
ment of the following committees: —
Finance E. E. Ayer, George E. Adams, J. W.
Ellsworth and J. C. Black; by-laws— George E. Adams, F. W. Gunsaulus and C L.
Hutchinson; exhibits— E. E. Ayer, George E. Adams and J. W. Ellsworth.
The finance committee began at once the important and delicate task of securing
the funds necessary to endow the museum, or to at least in some measure guarantee
that sufficient funds would eventually be forthcoming to justify the contributions
of exhibits, etc., that were being solicited. As the middle of October approached,
however, and nothing tangible in the shape of endowment had resulted from the
efforts of the finance committee, a period of discouragement came upon many of
those at work for the museum. Up to this time the funds used had been ad-
vanced by individual members of the committee. Nothing but the faith and devo-
tion and courage of a few men prevented the disintegration of the preliminary
organization and the practical abandonment of the museum enterprise, but when,
on October 26, the splendid gift of Mr. Field was announced the different com-
mittees and individuals were inspired to such efforts that the loss of the lagging
days was overcome and the progress of the work from that time on was resistlessly
effective.
13
George M. Pullman subscribed $100,000, followed in a few days by Harlow N.
Higinbotham with another $100,000. Other conditional donations for various
amounts were made.
November 1st a circular was issued to the stockholders of the E.xposition and
signed by Edward E. Ayer, George E. Adams, J. W. Ellsworth and John C.
Black as a finance committee, soliciting donations of the stock in the exposition to
the museum.
I may note in passing that the Evening Post of Sept. 14th contained a commu-
nication from A. W. Manning suggesting the donation of exposition stock to the
museum on the theory that there would be a dividend, which in this way would
add a considerable sum to the museum resources, and may also state, if I am cor-
rectly informed, the first stockholder to donate his stock in the exposition to the
museum was L. C. Stebbins, fifty shares. The present total exposition stock dona-
tions approximate $1,500,000 par value from over 1,100 stockholders.
The day after the issuance of this circular Mrs. Mary D. Sturgis, of Lake
Geneva, made a donation of $50,000.
During the month of November the museum corporation appointed Ralph
Metcalf as its representative on the exposition grounds, and this gentleman opened
ofiSces in the then partly deserted Administration Building and co-operated actively
with the executive committee of chiefs.
The museum committee on exhibits, consisting of Messrs. Adams, Ayer and
Ellsworth, made quite extensive purchases during November, including the collec-
tions from Paraguay, Peru, Java, Samoa and the Hagenbeck collection. The first
large purchase of material was made at this time— the Ward collection of natural
—
history for which $95,000 was paid. The first great donation of material was at
that time made to the museum, the Ayer anthropological collection being presented
by the now president of the museum. The collection is valued at $100,000.
November ISth it was formally determined to mass the donations of exhibits in
Fine Arts Hall. And with this end in view all of the committees interested in
articles, collections or exhibits, either donated or purchased, concentrated their
efforts in preparing for a general removal. On the 7th of December a number of
gentlemen, including E. E. Ayer, W. Ellsworth, Professor T. C. Chamberlain, of
J.
the Chicago University, Professor Putnam and ]Mr. Skiff met in Fine Arts Hall
and determined in a rough way the preliminary installation plan of the museum.
On that day the present director accepted temporary charge of affairs, and about
4 o'clock on the afternoon of that day the first load of material for the museum
was placed under the roof of this building
From resume of what transpired up to the beginning of the
this very general
real work of it will be seen that while no great public acts nor
the installation
unified labor were apparent, many men each in his own field, largely by his own
volition, were sincerely enlisted; that there was a generous and energetic co-opera-
tion in gathering material, making purchases and in securing funds. Further that the
growth of the museum was contemporaneous with the progress of the Exposition.
And now began the tremenduous task of gathering the vast amount of material
from every part and corner, and stretch and recess of these vast grounds; from all
of the buildings, large and small; from the Midway Plaisance and from Wooded
Island; from the Forestry Building to the Fisheries Building. Hundreds and
hundreds of tons of exhibits, collections and objects of every describable character
were transported to this building at which we are assembled. Then the selection,
alteration, arrangement and rearrangement and elaboration began. Gradually hall
by hall was emptied and as the objects of art left the building, a mass of mate-
rial poured in, heterogeneous and appalling in extent. And the beautiful products of
13
the artist's brush and the sculptor's chisel— ours summer were sup-
for only a —
planted by what we and systematic exposi-
see in these halls to-day, a sequential
tion of the wonderful and instructive things of the world we live in, began to grow.
Through the same door streamed boxes and bales from the Transportation, Mining,
Forestry, Electricity, Manufactures and Liberal Arts, and state buildings, from
government buildings and from the Plaisance; objects from the remotest lands and
the most diversified climes!
A temporary allotment of space permitted rough classification. A winter's
received. By March the assortment and selection of the material had advanced to
such a state as to allow positive installation. A hall here and a hall there began
to take on the semblance of a museum. Finished cases and cabinets displayed in
orderly array and attractive manner the valuable material, and brought out its excel-
lences by systematic arrangement.
The many collections and exhibits that had been so carefully and judiciously pur-
chased at the close of the exposition by the trustees and department chiefs furnished
the broad foundation upon which could be built correct series of collections Great
gaps in the continuity of separate subjects were thus in a large degree obviated, until
to-day from one end of the museum to the other can be traced, almost without a break,
the living and instructive story of nature and of man and his works. Let us not, how-
ever, underrate the labor still necessary to place this institution on proper compara-
tive footing with other great museums. These collections around us, although large
and carefully arranged with reference to some central idea or scientific principle,
indicate that only one step in the process of completion has been taken. They pre-
sent, to be sure, many features that may be found nowhere else in the world, but
that they require addition, rearrangement and re-establishment from the scientific or
technical standpoint, goes without saying.
In the meantime, on January 22, 1894, the board of trustees was reorganized with
the following new membership:
H. N. Higinbotham, E. E. Ayer, N. B. Ream,
Norman Williams, Geo. E. Adams, Edwin Walker.
Owen F. Aldis, M. A. Ryerson, H. W. Jackson,
C..H. McCormick, Watson Blair, Geo. Manierre,
W. J. Chalmers, Geo. R. Davis, A. B. Jones.
14
:
the importance to Chicago and to educational interests at large of the museum institu-
tion and have shown by their sympathy, as well as by their active co-operation,
their desire that it shall be an unbounded success.
We have builded in a few short months a great structure on the broad highway
of progress. Science and industry have entered its portals hand in hand. Knowl-
edge, that moral force which both commands and obeys, awaits within. In this
temple may be swung the incense of reminiscent love and veneration as sentiment
and popular enthusiasm unite the name of this great institution in indissoluble
bonds with the glory and culture of the year past, May the influence be forever felt.
The museum was practically installed on May 1. On May 21 the trustees by
a unanimous vote, decided to name this institution the " Field Columbian Museum."
I have the honor. Mr. President, to hand you a report of the expenditures from
the first disbursement until the present time; a report showing the value of the
collections contained in the building and a report of the inventory of the furniture
and fixtures. I have the further honor and the very great pleasure of presenting
you with the first copy of a complete guide to the museum.
Mr. Edward G. Mason, President of the Chicago Historical
Society, then delivered the following oration on The Message of the
Museum to Chicago and the AVorld
—
Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen: We are assembled to commemorate
the public opening of the Field Columbian Museum, an event of deep significance
to our city and to our time. The superb collection which bears this name has
found an appropriate home in one of the noble buildings of the World's Columbian
Exposition. And gathered as we are at the portals of that bmlding, we cannot fail
to remember the scenes of which it was a part less than a year ago. Here flowed
that living tide of rejoicing humanity which was perhaps the most marvelous exhibit
of all these grounds contained. In this structure and those related to it were dis-
played the progress, the skill and the genius of our race. And enshrining this and
all the rest, and greater than all else, glorious as the seer's vision of the New Jeru-
salem, was the world's fair city itself, "robed in white, mystic, wonderful." Its
memories naturally throng about this place, but to-day there is a special reason for
their recall. Of that grand Exposition, which is in all our minds just now, this
museum is both the outcome and the monument.
It is the outcome, for it became part of the plan of the men who made that Expo-
sition. The proper commemoration of that great undertaking was in their minds
almost from the beginning, and there is something very fine in the feeling which
this reveals. Undaunted by the tremendous task of preparation and serenely confi-
dent of the result while the Fair was still in embryo, they assumed its complete
success many months before its gates were opened, and said the one to the other:
What shall its fitting memorial be? This was heroic. Of this noble purpose the
Field Columbian Museum is the fruition. In its inception, therefore, it illustrates
the spirit which carried the Exposition to its triumphant goal, and of that spirit it
was born. It is the monument of the Exposition, holding many of its best exhibits,
housed in the most beautiful of all its beautiful edifices and perpetuating its central
idea. It is the lasting flower of that glorious summer to which we look back as to
an enchanted dream.
These are the abiding associations with which it auspiciously commences its
career. Although so young it already has a splendid past. How worthy of its origin
it is, the opening of these doors will make known. Other great museums have slowly
grown cut of national expositions. This in an instant takes its place by their side.
The stately halls which but the other day contained simply the productions of the
chisel, the brush and the pencil are now filled with the long array of ordered series
15
which tell the story of " the great globe itself, yea," of " all which it inherit." By
such a collection even the most careless observer must profit to some degree. Infi-
nitely more is its meaning to those who read its object lessons aright. These bring
to Ight the processes which have formed the world in which we dwell, the materials
of which it is composed, the treasures of the rocks, the ancient and the modern life
of earth and air and sea. These disclose the beginnings of our race in that antiquity
too remote to conceive of, and its incredibly slow and toilsome movement through
savage aeons to the dawn of a better day. And thence onward they unfold to us the
highest meaning of this museum, which is the development of the mind of man. The
annals of humanity begin with the birth of the inventive faculty. It is only when
man makes something that history takes note of him. The ages before areas nothing.
To the thoughtful student pouring over these shevles, the ill-shaped tools of the
early people, the first rude drawings on rock or bone, are of unique import. In
them lay the potentiality of all the rest. From them dates that majestic succession
of triumphs over the forces of nature, that magnificent progress in science, in art,
and in ail knowledge, ever changing the surprise of yesterday into the commonplace
of to-day, which this museum is designed to teach and to illustrate. Its opening
rounds an epoch. It is the high water mark of the advance of mankind.
But it denotes as well the continuance of this advance. That this forward move-
ment cannot cease, our knowledge of the past, our hope for the future, unite to assure
us. Each great exposition has been the commencement of a new era. Each one's
record of achievement has been in turn surpassed by that of its successor. The law
producing these results is in operation to-day, nor would we have it otherwise. And
in that greater progress which we believe to be before us we feel that this museum
must be a factor. Here men will come to learn what man has accomplished, and to
prepare to take the next step beyond. In this armory of science will be found the
weapons for new conquests over the material world. From this storehouse of the arts
will be drawn the suggestions and the devices for real improvement in the surround-
ings of our daily life. And what a scope for the imagination and its works will it
afford! How its revelations will awaken every instinct to accomplish something bet-
ter, something higher than what has gone before! How it will arouse the mind to new
flights into the regions of the unknown to bring back treasure trove! As an inspiration,
therefore, in its own sphere; the value of this museum is priceless. It means much
at the present. It means more for the future. It is not simply a collection of wood
and metal, clay and stone. It is a potent entity instinct with life and growth, to which
all things are possible.
Some great discovery associated with it may hereafter make our most sanguine
forecast of to-day seem poor and mean beside the reality. That its collections nlust
increase is the law of its being. To it are coming, and will continue to come, things
rich and rare from the four quarters of the globe. No limit can be set to its expan-
sion along the lines already so wisely laid down, nor to the results which may flow
from it.This is the century of wonders, and its closing years are like to be the cli-
max of all which have preceded them. Men of science tell us that the problem of
aerial navigation is on the eve of solution, mainly through atmospheric observations
and the study of the motion and structure of birds, carried on in part in collections
like this. It is said that the mighty power of electricity has not even shaken off its
swaddling clothes, and is yet to tower before us like genie of the Arabian tale from
the unsealed vase. If these things be true, and if other revelations of which we do
not even dream are to re-make the world in these or some of these, it may well be that
this institution will have an honored part.
As an example to be followed it must also have an enduring influence. The spec-
tacle of a great work unselfishly performed incites to like undertakings. The knowl-
16
—
edge of what men have done for the community in which they live impels others to
do as well in other directions. That civic pride, that belief in its future which char-
acterizes Chicago and should be treasured among most precious possessions, are
its
represented and will be inculcated by this notable instance of both. Not only in our
time but in the long hereafter will men tell the story of the origin and the purpose
of this institution with that quickening of the soul which is fruitful of great results.
While it shall endure it will be the well-spring of other noble enterprises for the ben-
efit of mankind. The poet says;
Our slender life runs rippling by, and glides
Into the silent hollow of the past;
What is there that abides
To make the next age better for the last?
Such a seed of sunshine has been planted here and has already risen and grown
into that which shall abide to make better the days which are to come.
With such associations, and characteristics, and possibilities the Field Columbian
Museum is opened to the people. They are For them and their
its beneficiaries.
children and their children's children it is to fulfillThe first museum,
its destiny.
from which the name has been handed down through the centuries, established by
the old Egyptian king in the once proud city of Alexandria, was set apart for the use of
one privileged class alone. But this museum knows no distinction of class or condi-
tion of men. It holds for all its wealth of opportunities for instruction and for
research, and its treasures are to be had for the asking. No man can measure the
amount of pure and elevated pleasure, of real and lasting benefit which will be derived
from it by the multitudes who will throng its halls from this time henceforth. Nor
can we lightly estimate the continuing tribute of thankfulness which they will gladly
pay to its benefactors, and especially to those whom we honor as its founders. To
them it is not easy to render a fitting meed of praise. But they already have a
reward in that consciousness of a grand deed grandly done of which nothing can
deprive them. This great creation is due to a munificence far more than princely,
A prince can only give his people's money. These donors have given of their very
own freely, lavishly, for the good of their city and of their race. As we enter into
their labors there enter with us the rejoicing shades of the philanthropists of all time
to welcome this latest exemplification of the spirit of those who love their fellowmen,
and in their shining list will forevermore appear the names of the founders of the
Field Columbian Museum.
President Aver then artjse, and with a raised gavel said "I now :
17
HISTORY OF THE COLLECTIONS PRESENTED TO THE MUSEUM
THROUGH THE LATIN AMERICAN DEPARTMENT OF THE
EXPOSITION.— WILLIAM E. CURTIS, in charge.
19
;
white man had ever been before — and brought back with him a
splendid collection of curiosities that have their place in the ethno-
logical section to-day. Army, and
Capt, Alexander Rodgers, of the
Lieut. F. E, Sawyer, of the Navy, were sent on a similar errand to
Brazil, Surgeon D. B. Bertolette, of the Navy, to Uruguay, Paraguay
and the Argentine Republic, Lieut. Charles H. Harlow of the Navy
to Chili, Lieut W. E. Safford to Bolivia and Peru, and the collection
of ethnological samples he brought home is unrivalled in many
respects. Mr. Willard P. Tisdel, who was a general assistant to Mr.
Curtis^ visited Equador on a similar mission.
The most important historical work in the field was done by Mr.
Frederick A. Ober, the well-known author and scientist, who spent
two years following the trail of Columbus in American waters, and
visiting all the places on this side of the ocean that are associated with
his name. He explored Watlings Island, which those best qualified
to know believe to be the first landfall of Columbus, and the island
called Guanihani then visited the other places that the discoverer men-
;
cities of the Island of Santo Domingo, which were the scene of the
first chapter of American history, Mr. Ober spent two years of hard
20
He from the library of Queen Victoria, at Wind-
also iDorrowed
first map that was ever made of the
sor Castle, the original of the
American continent, which curiously enough was drawn by Leon-
ardo di painted "The Last Supper."
A'inci, who
From he brought the most interesting and precious
vSpain
collection of historical papers that exist, including the original com-
mission granted to Columbus by King Ferdinand and Queen Isa-
bella the original of the royal order to the inhabitants of Palos to
furnish him vessels for his voyage, the royal decree granting amnesty
to all inmates of prison who would consent to accompany the adven-
turesome sailor, a number of autograph letters from Isabella to
Columbus, including his instructions for the voyage, and twelve
priceless manuscripts in the handwriting of Columbus himself ad-
dressed to his wayward son, Diego.
When these documents arrived in Washington, Mr. Curtis took
them at once to two photograph galleries, where, under a military
guard negatives were taken of each manuscript. First, as a precau-
tion in case anything should happen to them, for they had never been
photographed before and, second, in order that the shadows if not
;
Curtis. All of the exhibits secured by Mr. Curtis and Prof. Putnam
outside the limits of the United States were nominally the property
of this association, but at the close of the Exposition were transferred
by it to the Field Columbian Museum.
Before the foreign commissioners who w^ere sent out by the
Latin American Department of the Exposition started on their mis-
sionsit became apparent that they would require funds for the pur-
chase of articles that could not otherwise be procured, and Mr. Curtis
21
laid the matter before the Committee of Foreign Exhibits of the
World's Columbian Exposition which had supervision of his work.
They decided that the appropriations placed at their disposal by the
Board of Directors could not be used for that purpose, but at the
same time individually subscribed to a fund that was sufficient and
paid for many of the articles that were brought home by Mr. Ober
and other commissioners. Thus to Mr. W. T. Baker, Mr. H, N.
Higinbotham, Mr. Martin A. Ryerson and their generous associates
the Museum is indebted for many valuable and interesting collections.
The Congress of the United States appropriated fifty thousand
made by Mr. Curtis under the
dollars for a historical collection to be
direction of the Government Board of Management and Control and
a large part of the collection of Columbian relics was paid for from
this fund. Those still belong to the Government, but there is pend-
ing before Congress a bill, that has already passed the vSenate, author-
izing the Secretary of State to transfer the title to the Field Colum-
bian Museum.
The Caravels, which also belong to the Government, are in a
similar situation. The Senate has passed a bill transferring them to
the Museum and it is hoped that the House of Representatives will
concur in the measure.
To Frank M. Mason, United States Consul General at Frankfort,
Germany, the Exposition and the Museum are indebted for the inter-
esting collection that illustrates the manner in which the Continent of
America was named. He spent much time at the old town of Saint
Eie, Germany, investigating the subject, searching musty records, and
the results of his work made clear for the first time the means by
which a little geography, published in that quaint old town in 1507,
deprived Columbus of the honor of having the new world called by
his name.
The late William Hayden Edwards, Consul General at Berlin,
Henry Vigneaud, Secretary of Legation at Paris, James Fletcher,
United vStates Consul at Genoa, Robert W. Turner, Consul at Cadiz,
John F. Healey Consul at Funchal, and Colonel A. Loudon Snowden,
United States Minister to Spain, all contributed much to the success of
the efforts of Mr. Curtis to secure a complete collection of the existing
relics of Columbus and the results of their zeal are in the Museum
to-day.
These collections which were on exhibition at the La Rabida Con-
vent during the Exposition were, at its close, transferred to the
Museum and are now installed in Halls 8, and 9, as shown on
the plan to be found onpage 74. The collection made tmder the
Exposition management form a part of the extensive contributions
which were by vote of the Exposition Board of Directors presented
entire to the Museum for permanent preservatioii.
A
description of the arrangement of the material in the halls of
the Museum is given under a succeeding caption.
22
,
23
The Commissioner from British (5-uiana donated a carefully
selected set of the specimens exhibited by his country, including the
woods, many of which were of superior quality and great interest.
The Corean representative donated agricultural products and
the woods of the peninsula. Ceylon through her commissioners also
donated specimens of her field and forest products, while Johore gave
a full collection of woods, medicinal plants and rattans.
The Spanish Commissioners donated a complete set of olive
oils and fibers; and the Siamese Commissioner, a duplicate set of
their ver}^ fine exhibit of natural drugs.
The Representatives of Liberia and of Curacao kindly contrib-
uted from their products many interesting specimens, including
a fine collection of their native woods.
The Paraguayan Commissioners generously contributed their en-
tire exhibit in the Agricultural Building. The commissioners of the
Argentine Republic divided carefully and equally their collection be-
tween this institution and others, Dr. Niederlein, one of the com-
missioners, spending the winter following the close of the Fair in the
distribution. This donation included the wools and leathers with the
other agricultural products.
The representatives of Uruguay and Costa Rica contributed
freely sets of their products, and the Jamaican commissioners in the
Manufacturers Building donated a full line of their agricultural
products, including a complete set of their natural timbers.
The commissioners of Guatemala, United States of Columbia,
Equador and Venezuela donated freely from their agricultural col-
lections, and each added a full set of their native woods.
Murphy Varnish Co., who had done so much to briug out the beau-
24
ties of the woods of all the countries exhibiting. In order to oven
come this obstacle, Dr. Millspaugh, at the instigation of George E.
Adams, Esq., now one of the trustees of the Museum, and the assist-
ance of the Murphy Varnish Co., set up an electric motor and powei
band saw in the building, and supervised the divisions of the col-,
lections through the months of October to February, thus procur-
ing many valuable exhibits that would otherwise have been im-
attainable.
The Imperial Japanese Commission offered to donate their entire
forestry collection provided the Museum would distribute a set oi
thirty of their commercial timbers among the seventeen different in-
stitutions towhich promises had been made. With the saw in opera-
tion this was done, and the most complete collection of Japanese
forestry products in the country was thus obtained.
25
by a magnificent specimen of a full decortication presented by Messrs.
Gudewill and Bucknall of New York.
The Indurated Fiberware company of Chicago contributed a com-
plete set of material and forms to illustrate the process of manufacture
of utensils from wood fiber; while the Waldhof Zellstoffabrik Com-
pany of Germany, the Japanese Commissioners, and the Commission.
of Sweden contributed many specimens toward a collection to illus-
trate the manufacture of paper from wood pulp. The Commissioners
of Sweden also contributed a full set of products of the destructive
distillation of wood.
Prof. Nawa of Japan, donated entire his fine collection of insects
injurious and beneficial to cultivated plants in Japan; of this collec-
tionamassed in the forestry division a full account is given in a suc-
ceeding chapter on the installation of the Department of Botany.
As will be seen from the foregoing account the Department of
Agriculture at the World's Columbian Exposition, contributed its full
quota toward the success of the Museum, giving the Department of
Botany its initial equipment and forming the nucleus of one of the
finest forestry displays in the country.
26
:
Chief.
I.
27
:
28
The specimens were classified by states, so that the coals of any
particular locality may be easily found. The collection is installed
in an identical manner in Hall 69 of the Museum.
B. The collection of building and ornamental stones of the United
States. A special circular prepared in the office of the depart-
ment calling attention of quarrymen to the undertaking of the
department to make a qualitative exhibit of the building and
ornamental stones of the United vStates was distributed discriminately
in the leading stone producing districts of each state. This circular
also described the manner in which specimens should be prepared.
It instructed contributors to trim the cube samples four inches each
—
way and to dress the sides of the cube in different fashions ribbed,
tooled, polished, planed, etc.
The specimens as they came in from the quarries were labeled
and arranged in glass cases and installed under Group 44 of the
central west gallery of the Mining Building. The samples in the
majority of cases were sent as contributions and in some cases were
loaned.
Special blanks calling for statistical data relative to the location
of the quarry, character of the stone, position of the strata —bedded
or vertical, chemical analysis of the stone, physical tests, etc., were
sent out with the original request, and the information obtained
in this manner was carefully collated for the report of the Depart-
ment to the Director-General.
A series of transparencies illustrating on a large scale the micro-
scopic structure of typical stone specimens was especially prepared
by Mr. Geo, P. Merrill, Curator of the Section of
for this exhibit
Building and Ornamental vStones of the United States National Mus-
eum, and author of the well-known work "The Building and Orna-
mental vStone of the United States." These transparencies were
hung before the large window over the main east entrance to the
building, and in close proximity to the stone collection.
The collection was transferred to the Field Columbian Museum
and isnow installed in Hall 68.
C. Technical Collection Illustrating Metallurgical Science.
A pamphlet setting forth the aims of the Department to fittingly
and instructiv^ely present an exhibit of the metallurgy of the
precious and base metals was prepared during the period of promo-
tion in the office of the Department, and was distributed among the
principal metal producers and manufacturers. The scheme as out-
lined in this pamphlet comprised separate monographic exhibits of
each of the principal metals of economic importance. It included
actual samples that illustrated the progress of the metal from the ore
39
:
D A collection of Transparencies.
.
31
nace; Remelting of Lead and Refining; Preparation of Silver to separate Copper;
Apparatus employed in the preparation of Silver to separate Copper; Preparation
of Tin; Furnace; Heating Ingots; Cooling Bath; Ancient Salt Garden, Evaporation
of Salt: Distillation of Sulphur; Pottery Kiln; River Mining; Ventilation, Hand and
Horse Power.
E. Collection of literature pertaining to mining and metallurgy.
Aseparate reading and library room was set aside in the
south west gallery of the Mining Building where was exhibited a
comprehensive collection of the principal works bearing upon min-
ing and metallurgy. The list includes extensive sets of publica-
tions of the United States and State Geological Surveys, etc. These
books were contributed to the Library by publishers at the solic-
itation of the department. At the close of the Exposition they
were conveyed to the Library of the Museum. Chief Skiff of the
Mining Department also donated a collection of 500 books on mining
to the Museum.
II.
33
Among the larger displays placed in the hands of the Chief of
the department for disposition may be mentioned the iron and
steel exhibit from the German Section, that of Messrs. Stumm Bros.,
the entire exhibit of the Standard Oil Co., etc.
These exhibits much worked over, re-labeled and arranged
according to scientific classification, will be found in the thirteen
halls of the west annex. The entire ore, mineral, metallurgical
and engineering collections and the cases in which they are installed,
in these thirteen halls are the exclusive donation
of the Exposition
through the Department of Mines, Mining and Metallurgy to the
Field Columbian Museum.
33
Cia Minera de Jesus Maria. Anthracita Sonora.
Cia Metalurgica Mexicana. Cia Minera La Luz.
Cia Minera Constancia y Perrena. Mines & Mining Department. W. C. E.
Galindo Modesto. Minnesota Commission, W. C. E.
Kopez, Lucio B Moulton, Francis D. & Co.
Vega Miguel. Morning Star Mining Co.
Pul Miguel. Musselburg Wire Co.
Puente Telipe. New Mexico Commission,
Cia Minera el Carmen. New South Wales Commission, W.C.E.
Cia Fundidora y Ofinadora de Mon- New York Commission, W. C. E.
terey. Ontario Commission, W. C. E.
Cia Minera la Union. Ohio Commission, W. C. E.
Gran Fundicion Nacional Mexicana. Oregon Commission, W
C. E,
Maiz Joaquin. Philadelphia Engineering Works.
Gobierno de Oaxaca. Pittsburgh Coal Exchange.
Hegociacion La Castellana. Quebec Commission, W. C. E.
Hegociacion Huitccicila. Roessler & Hasslacher Chemical Co
Hegociacion Montage. Russian Cement Co.
Hegociacion La Randanera. Salisbury Mining Co.
Mexican International Railroad San Juan del Rey Mining Co.
Prospero de la Fuente. Sandusky Portland Cement Co.
Carlos Gonzalez. Sioux Valley Stone Co.
Hacienda de la Concha. South Dakota Commission W. C. E.
Gobierno de Colima. Standard Oil Co.
Cortez Salazar y Cia. Standard Asphalt Co.
Aurelio Lurtique. Stanley Mining Co.
Municipio de Monterey. Stumm Bros.
Salazar Francisco. Suydam, John.
Gobierno de Sonoro. Trenton Iron Co.
Tepic, Political Authority of. Truax Mfg. Co.
Marcelo Salinas. Turner, W. G.
Ewique, Freeman. United Alkali Co., Ltd.
Gonzalez Lie, Jose G. United Coal Co.
Praxidis Guerrero. Waldhof Sulphite Co.
Ramon, C. Ortoz.
Warren Chemical Works.
Juan N. Torres. Warren Scharf Asphalt Paving Co:
Gobierno de Michoacan
Weimer Machine Works.
A. Hartman & Co.
J.
Western Mineral Wool Co.
Compania Minera la Barranca.
White, T. & S. C.
Compania Concentradora La Dura.
Miguel Guzman.
White Cap Mining Co,
G. Micho.
Zimmerman, John.
34
HISTORY OF THE COLLECTIONS PRESENTED TO THE MUSEUM
THROUGH THE EXPOSITION DEPARTMENT OF ARCH
y^OLOGY AND ETHNOLOGY.— F. W. PUTNAM, Chief.
from Paraguay.
The Central American field was covered by Mr. Edward H.
Thompson, United States Consul to Yucatan, under whose direction
a series of casts of Central American ruins were procured, as well as
by the research work carried on by Messrs. Seville and Owens. The
35
archaeological collection from Southern California was secured
through the services of Stephen Bowers, of Ventura, California.
A series of archaeological investigations among the remains of
North American aboriginal peoples was also initiated by Prof. Put-
nam and resulted in collections from the Little Miami Valley and the
Hopewell group of mounds of Ross County, Ohio, collected by War-
ren K. Moorehead; the archaeological collection from New Jersey,
by Ernest Volk, the Michigan collections by Harlan I. Smith, and
the archaeological collection from Ohio by Dr. C. L. Metz; also the
models of Ohio earthworks prepared by Prof. Putnam himself.
Expeditions were sent out in 1891 to Alaska and to various
Indian tribes of Canada and the United States, principally for the
purpose of gathering anthropometric material. The collectors in
this work were for the most part men of the Harvard Medical School
or residents in the territory covered.
In 1892 the work was again taken up and some fifty men were in
the field covering the territory from Mexico to Alaska and from the
Atlantic to the Pacific. The collections then gathered and afterwards
transferred to the Museum are as follows:
Dean Collection from North Pacific Coast.
Wilson Assiniboin Indians.
Hall Ojibway Indians.
Bolton Shoalwater Indians.
Holgate Ottawa Indians.
Cowie Saskatchewan Indians.
Brown Ottawa Indians-Queen Sound.
Tisdale Montagnaise Indians.
Tisdale Amalcite Indians.
Tisdale Micmac Indians.
McDonald Micinac Indians.
Kaven vSisseton Agency, B. C.
Wilson Salteaux Indians.
Boas North Pacific Coast.
Jacobsen Bella Coola.
Shurtleff Muskhogee Indians of Indian Ter
Riddle Menominee Indians, Minn.
McLean Blackfeet Indians.
Ruofe Chippewa Indians.
Montague Minnesota Indians. .
Fairbank Buford, N. D.
Eells Puget Sound.
Swan Cape Flattery,
Peary Eskimo of Smith Sound, Alaska.
Cherry Yukon Valley.
36
Collections from the Etiropean musenms of Berlin, Vienna, etc.,
as well as the Finsch collection were obtained by Dr. Franz Boas who,
at an early stage of the promotion of the work of the Department of
Ethnology, was sent abroad to secure exhibit material.
The Anthropological Library was brought together from various
parts of the world in response to a printed circular, sent out by Prof.
Putnam in February, 1893. A special library of over 1,200
books and pamphlets was thus secured to the Museum.
37
'-J
— 01
< 5
0^ <
HISTORY OF THE COLLECTIONS PRESENTED TO THE MUSEUM
THROUGH THE EXPOSITION DEPARTMENT OF TRANS-
PORTATION EXHIBITS. -WILLARD A. SMITH, Chlef.
39
there are no known relics in existence. An exact replica of the
former was made in Florence for the Exposition and is now in the Field
Columbian Museum. From the same place also came a copy of a
child's toy boat, found in an Etruscan tomb. These are, we believe,
the only remains known of ancient vehicles. The museums of the
world, however, numerous ancient and mediaeval bits,
contain
spurs, etc., exhumed from tombs or found on battle fields, a fair
representation of which were loaned to the Exposition, but could not
be retained for the Museum.
On the various monuments of antiquity, in manuscripts, in in-
scriptions on mummy found various representa-
cases, etc., there are
tions of vehicles, saddlery, from which fairly accurate pic-
and boats,
tures have been made. Many of the illustrations to be found in
historical works are imaginary, based to be sure upon authentic
descriptions but dependent in details upon the fancy of the artist.
From the most important and accurate of these, numerous pictures
were prepared for the Exposition which are now to be found upon
Museum.
the walls of the
European museums contain many interesting vehicles of the
tenth century. Of the many centuries before that, there are no
relics, except an occasional fragment of saddlery. There are in ex-
istence many interesting vehicles of the early portion of the present
century, but their bulk and the difficulty of transporting them long
distances rendered it impossible to secure them for exhibition — ex-
cept by means of pictures. A very interesting example was how-
ever shown in the Brazilian exhibit at the Exposition in the shape
of a royal carriage formerly belonging to the Emperor Dom Pedro,
evidently made in Europe, and corresponding very closely with the
royal carriages of the eighteenth century. _
Among the most interesting of existing rude forms of transpor-
tation are those of the American Continent. From Alaska were se-
cured various canoes, dog-sleds, etc., through the Alaska Com-
mercial Co., and Lieutenant G, V. Emmons of the U. S. N,, vSouth
American canoes, donkeys, llamas, sedans and pack outfits for men
and beasts were obtained through the agency of the Latin Ameri-
can Department of the Exposition, Dr. Luna of Peru, and Lieutenant
H. R. Lemley, U. S, A. Mexican ox-carts of rude construction were
purchased direct by the Exposition; and the Mexican government
exhibit included mule-litters, saddlery, etc. The Brazilian govern-
ment also contributed aboriginal canoes, rafts and jangadas. The
Indians of the Pueblo of Acoma, New Mexico, contributed a rude ox-
cart of theirown construction.
The collection of the various interesting water-craft, sedans, palan-
40
;
tlements, Syria and the West Indies were made through the agency
of the consuls and consular agents of the United States. These gen-
tlemen were not only courteous in furnishing information, but inde-
fatigable in pursuing pointers sent to them and purchasing and ship-
ping the desired articles. As no similar work of collection had ever
been undertaken before, the result accomplished in such a short time
and at very small expense was certainly remarkable.
Interesting contributions to the historical feature of the Transpor-
tation Exhibits Department of the Exposition were made by the gov-
ernments of Argentine, Brazil, British Guiana, Cape Colony, Ceylon,
Italy and Siam portions of which came subsequently into the pos-
;
41
tute perhaps the most interesting- railway relics in the world unless
;
42
EXPOSITION MEMORIAL STATUARY.
4'd
Reference to the plan below, of the Rotunda will give the exact
position as installed of these sculptural pieces. The Statue of the
Republic is marked No. 2.
® ^<0 \ -,.
t2?t CD
^ ^ ^
•Es
Plan of Rotunda.
on Machinery Hall by M. A. Waagen (Nos, 52 to 57); sculpture on
Colonnade, by M. A. Waagen (Nos. 58 and 59); sculpture work on
the Electricity Building by I. A. Blankinship and N. A. McNeill
(Nos. 60 and 61) sculpture work on lagoons by M. A. Waagen (No.
;
45
visited are represented in the collection from Watling's Island where
he first Domingo and Honduras, where he first set
touched, to San
foot on the American Continent proper. Maps show the zigzag
course of his voyages, and the modern towns are indicated in order
to identify the new names with old historic sites. Various relics,
such as spears, handcuffs, bells and other ancient articles form a' most
curious collection of antiquities. Among these should be mentioned
the sixteenth century anchor which laid in the mud on the east bank
of the Amazon river for centuries, and according to tradition was the
property of Don Diego Colon. The key is preserved which belonged
to the house at Porto Santo, Madeira Islands, where Columbus lived
after his marriage. A pile of stone, brick and tiles represents all that
remains of the town of Isabella, the first civilized settlement of the
New World, founded by Columbus on his second voyage in 1493.
The personal history of Columbus' latter days consist of pictures
of the death of Columbus, of the house in which he died at Vallado-
lid,and of the various resting places of his remains. They were
once interred at Cartuga and also in the cathedral of Santo Domingo
A fac-simile of the box in which his remains were found in this cathe
dral as well as a reproduction of the casket in which his dust is novv
contained are in the collections.
The descendants of Columbus, his son Diego and his son Fer-
nando in portrait and likenesses of his later descendants, the Duke
of Veragua, Don Luis Columbus, and Don Pedro Colon, hang upon
the walls of Hall 8.
46
.
SYSTEMATIC GEOLOGY.
4'J
ogy, Meteorites, Systematic Mineralogy, Structural and Dynamical
Geology and Lithology.
To the section of Paleontology three halls are devoted and about
5,000 specimens are here displayed. These are arranged in an
order which passes from left to right, and which corresponds to that
found in following the stratified formations of the earth's crust from
the lowest up to the highest. One may therefore read from this col-
lection, as he would from a book, an account of the progress and
characters of life upon the globe from its earliest forms to those of the
present time. While the primary plan of arrangement is stratigraph-
ical, secondarily it is biological, the fossils of each epoch being
50
map of the Yellowstone National Park, of the A^inta nnd Wahsatch
mountains, the Grand Canon of the Colorado, the vState of Massachu-
setts, the Henry mountains and Palestine. A very instructive series
and sea-coast
of ideal reliefs illustrate typical glacier, volcano, valley
regions. There are also exhibited stereogram, hypsometrical and
geological maps and globes of various sizes.
The collection of meteorites, occupying one hall, may claim
recognition as one of the largest in this coimtry. Here are shown
specimens representing 1 80 separate meteoric "falls" or "finds"
which have an aggregate weight of 4,745.6 pounds. These are
grouped into the three classes of aerosiderites, aerosiderolites and
aerolites, and placed in chronological order under each group.
Here may be seen the largest meteoric stone in the world, that
of Phillips County, Kansas, weighing 1,184.5 pounds; also two masses
weighing respectively 465 and 344.5 pounds with several smaller ones
of the Kiowa County, Kansas, meteorite; two masses weighing 1,013
and 265 pounds respectively, and several smaller ones of the Caiion
Diablo, Arizona, meteorite; about 650 complete individual aerolites
of the Winnebago County, Iowa, fall, and many other tmique spec-
imens. About sixty casts illustrate the shape and size of notable
meteorites, including the huge masses of Chihuahua, Mexico.
In the section of systematic mineralogy, about 5,000 specimens
are displayed, which represent quite fully the various mineral species
and the localities which produce them.
These are arranged inan order similar to that given in Dana's
new system of mineralogy^, that is, are classified according to the
chemical constitution of each species. Case labels indicate the chem-
ical groups that are represented and supplementary cards show the
chemical composition and system of crystallization of each species.
The following species and localities may be mentioned as being
especially well represented native copper. Lake Superior fluorite,
: ;
61
alteration and disturbance of rocks are exemplified, as well as evi-
dences of their action in former periods of the earth's history.
These include slabs bearing ripple marks, rain drop impressions,
glacial groovings and scorings, specimens showing varieties of erosion,
faultings, joints and concretions. A comprehensive group of the
latter with their modifications into septaria, make a prominent fea-
ture. Typical volcanic and cave products may also be seen here.
In the section of lithology is contained a very complete collec-
tion of the varieties of the present day. Fifteen thousand of these
specimens are of the size, 3x4x1 inch usually adopted for rock speci-
mens while about 400 larger polished slabs exhibit in greater detail
the ornamental character of many of the varieties. The collection
of marbles, in the latter class, is very complete and illustrates almost
every variety of this stone known to the decorator. The rocks
are divided into the three classes of eruptive, sedimentary and met-
amorphic, and under each of these groups are arranged according to
some well-known system of classification, thus facilitating their
examination by the student.
ECONOMIC GEOLOGY.
53
carbon minerals; petroleum; platinum, gold, silver and lead; copper;
iron, zinc, tin, nickel, mercury, antimony and manganese; fictile
materials; non-metallic minerals of use in the arts; mineral sta-
tistics.
53
known localit}- where that metal is found, and excellent illustrations
of the processes of concentration carried on at the Russian mines.
The gold ores include a large number of specimens of gold-bearing
quartz from various localities in California, of the telluride and pyrite
ores of Colorado, of Mexican and Brazilian ores, a complete series of
the Dolgelly, North Wales, ores and others. A series of gold
nuggets having an aggregate weight of 133 ounces, from the placer
mines of the vState of Washington form a part of this collection, and
there is also shown a complete series of gold alloys.
The ores of silver are represented by specimens from the mines
of Nevada, Colorado, Mexico, New Granada, and New South Wales,
with other localities in less degree.
The localities producing lead ores represented are chiefly Colo-
rado, Wisconsin, Illinois, British Columbia, Mexico, Great Britain,
Germany, Spain and Greece. The collections of British and German
ores are particularly complete and attractive, the character of the as-
sociated rocks and minerals being fully exemplified.
The arrangement of the collections of the group, copper, iron,
made upon a plan similar to that already described for
zinc, etc., is
platinum, gold, etc. As examples of copper ores are shown those of
California, Colorado, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Vermont, South
America, Germany, Greece, New South Wales and an especially
large representation of those of New Mexico and Arizona. One com-
plete series from the Copper Queen mines of Bisbee, Arizona, shows
the rocks and ores found at each of the different levels of the mines.
Different methods of extracting copper and some of the varied uses
of the metal are also fully illustrated.
Many of the important iron mines of the United States are rep-
resented by specimens in the collection tmder that head, those of Vir-
ginia and Michigan being most fully exemplified. Among foreign
iron ores are shown a complete series from Russia and miscellaneous
specimens from Great Britain, Germany, France, Greece and New
South Wales.
Illustrations are given of various types of blast furnaces and of
processes of reducing iron ores.
54
Without describing which illustrate the
in detail the collections
other metals, mention should be made complete series of tin
of the
ores from the North Dakota and Cornwall, England, mines; of the
complete series of mercury ores and associated rocks from New
Almaden, California; of the ores and concentrates of the same metal
from Spain, and of the mang-anese ores of Arkansas and New vSouth
Wales.
The group of lictile materials contains chiefly representative
specimens of clays of different localities, both domestic and foreign,
and illustrations of the uses of these in the making of stone ware,
tiles, terra cotta, fire brick and assayer's apparatus. A series as yet
incomplete illustrates mineral paints in their many modes of occur-
rence.
The non-metallic minerals of use in the arts include a series
showing specimens of crude asbestos from almost every known lo-
cality and illustrations of the uses of asbestos in various manufactured
articles; a collection of varieties of Florida, South Carolina and Cana-
dian phosphates; varieties of salt from different parts of the world;
sulphur from several localities; specimens of mica, fluor-spar, pyrite,
selenite, etc., all of which have industrial application.
The chief feature of the collection illustrating mineral statistics
is a column made up of cubes of different minerals, the volume of
each of -which is the output of that mineral by the mines of the United
States for each second of time for the year 1892. This is supple-
mented for successive years by exhibition of the charts published by
the U. S. Geological Survey which shows the mining statistics of
those years.
In the laboratory of the department, tests of minerals and ores
are made and a type series of blowpipe tests are shown.
Here also are exhibited sketches enlarged from wood cuts in De
Re Metallica which have historical interest as showing the methods of
mining and metallurgy in use in the sixteenth century.
55
5 ?lv ^
« 6
THE DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY.
ing their exhibition at the Exposition. Sufficient time has not yet
elapsed to study into the correctness of these identifications. This
is especially to be remembered by all who desire to enter into a
discriminative study of the collections as they are now installed.
57
Full identification of specimens in this department is now pro-
all
remarked that the timbers of Corea bear strong resemblance to, and
in many cases are of the same species as those of Japan. Among
the other products of Corea here displayed, the most interest lies in
the dried persimmons and dates, and in the silvernuts and lotus seed.
Japan gave to this department her complete display from the
Forestry Building, as well as a full set of her agricultural products
from the Agricultural Building. Her section as installed, is sur-
rounded by a reconstruction of her bamboo pavilion from the For-
estry Building, and contains a very complete exposition of her tim-
bers, ornamental woods, teas, rices, and minor products. The first
case in the section contains the useful fibers of Japan, the tobaccos,
and fifty varieties of tea. The second case contains thirty species
of insects injurious to the useful plants of that country. This
58
beautiful and highly scientific collection, showing the successive
phases of insect development, also the injury caused by them
to the plants upon which they prey, was prepared for exhibit in the
Japanese section at the Exposition, but, on account of lack of space,
was not unpacked. The collection of timbers and small woods is very
complete indeed, comprising- over eighty species, all of which are
represented both by the wood and the bark, and in most instances
the botanical features are also illustrated by excellent colored plates
from a work now in progress of publication in that country upon the
sylva of Japan. The series is very comprehensive and contains also
many specimens representing the utilization of the wood. Large
paintings accompany the collection showing timber operations in
Japan. These are particularly interesting on account of the simi-
larity they bear to those carried on in this country. Although origin-
ally no bamboos grew upon the islands of the Japanese Archipelago a
collection of fourteen varieties, excellent examples, of great
strength and beauty, will be found in this section. The cultivation
of the bamboo has been a special study among the Japanese who
by careful horticultural processes have brought forth these useful
products. Among the various minor products of the Islands, the col-
lection comprises various starches, charcoals, camphor, lacquer,
edible mushrooms, and many other important products. The wood pulp
and wood acid industries are also well represented. The rices,
cereals, legumes, tan barks, fibrous barks and dye stuii's in the collec-
tion deserve special mention. Among the ornamental woods great in-
terest lies in the standard of Toko posts, natural trunks of ornamental
trees, either denuded of their bark or with the bark intact used in
the construction of the Toko or ornamental place of honor in
the Japanese parlor where ceremonial tea is served. This place is
dear to the heart of the Japanese hostess, and is generally furnished
in the height of Japanese neatness and artistic taste. These posts
support a canopy, and are always of some natural unhewn wood,
often decorticated, or partially so. The woods chosen for Toko posts
are generally those of high commercial value or especial rarity.
60
represented. A very large and complete collection of the medicinal
plants and seeds of the country is contained in five large cases, and
a full set of the timbers, tan barks, gums, resins, etc; a collection
which represents all of the principal states of the country.
In the order of the installation this completes the galleries of the
west court. Passing thence to the right in the north court will be found
installed principally the collections ''loaned" to this institution by
the Government of the United States ; exhibits comprising that of
tobacco and cotton froni the Agricultural Building, fibers and fiber
yielding plants, and a nearly coinplete representation of the sylva of
the United States, from the Government Building, with many fine
series presenting the results of timber tests as made by the Section
of Forestry, Department of Agriculture. In this court are also
installed a number of standards containing types of herbaceous plants
and specimens representing various forms of marine vegetable life.
Gl
ments from wood pulp. Next to this case in the east court is installed
a similar one containing specimens illustrative of the manufacture of
paper from wood. On the transept floor of the north court three
cases are placed —one
containing marine algae, the second a very
full collection of North American lichens, the third a representative
set of North American mosses. These cases are intended to illus-
trate some of the lower forms of vegetable life. At the end of the
east court is installed a large case showing specimens of a complete
set of cereal foods of North America. On the transept floor of the
south court a case is placed in which is also partly installed a set of
replica's of tropical fruits together with various products that are
gained from them.
At the- beginning of the south court gallery is placed a case con-
taining a set of the products of the Cork Oak [Quei^cus Suber) with
many sections of the bark showing the effect of peeling. Accom-
panying this case is a complete peeling of a whole trunk and its three
branches, a valuable example of dexterous decorations.
It is the intention of this department, in time, to fill the galler-
ies of this east court entirely with a representative collection of the
sylva of the United States, both commercial and non-commercial,
together with as complete a collection as possible of all the economic
63
%
Probably one of the finest collections ever taken out of Paraguay
forms the next installation. The timbers, one hundred and thirty-two
species in all, are represented by large log sections having one face
dressed, while a complete set of tan and dye barks, one hundred and
seventeen in all, are included; a large number of charcoal and many
fiber producing plants show well her resources in minor products. A
very complete collection of two hundred and thirty-four medicinal
plants fill the cases of the three sections devoted to this country. An
exposition of her ycr/ui fills one of the cases.
Any visitor to the Exposition who noted the wealth of materials
that Brazil contributed to increase the interest of the Forestry, Agri-
cultural and Manufactures Buildings, will recognize the large collec-
tions departments that go toward filling the five sec-
in all these
tions devoted to the display of her natural products. In timbers
alone, more than a thousand specimens were donated to us, many
of which are not yet prepared for installation, while of oils, gums,
resins, fibers, fruits, seeds, grains, coffee, etc., an almost complete
representation may be found in the cases of the sections devoted to
this country. Each state of Brazil contributed from her forests
toward this wealth of specimens. Medicinal plants are also excel-
lently represented by over two hundred specimens.
63
Plan of Departments of Zoology and Ornithology.
;
65
the observer a conception of the structure and the strange and vari-
ous forms of these creatures, many of which present an appearance
wholly different from that of any other group of animals.
The subkingdom of worms is very indifferently shown in the mu-
seum collections. The same is true of both the bryozoa and the
brachiopoda, although there are representatives of both groups.
The class of Crustacea is represented in the Museum by about
225 species, sixty genera, and fifteen families. Many of the speci-
mens belong to the larger and more strangely modified forms, and the
collection, so far as it goes, is valuable.
Insects are represented by an exhibition collection of the more
conspicuous of the butterflies and moths.
The mollusks are arranged in Hall 25. The specimens are
mounted on blocks of wood and are contained in flat cases, which
furnish about 1,260 square feet of space. There are now present
about 3,000 species. These are arranged in sets, so as to show
age, manner of development, and amount of variation; classes,
orders and families are indicated by printed labels, which
state the principal characters of each group. The collection was
intended to be a representation of the molluskan subkingdom and, ;
06
ing orders of mammals. No attempt has been made so far to illus-
trate the fauna of any particular region of the globe and accordingly,
;
6'?
.
6d
The collection to-day is neatly and carefully arranged in 130
large cans, chests and cases, that are made practically moth and dust
proof.
In addititon to the Cory collection the study series of skins was
enriched during the year by the acquisition, through gifts, and by
purchases of several small lots of North American birds from Mr. H.
K. Coale, of Chicago. Also by gift from the Commissioners of the
Exposition from tlie Argentine Republic, an interesting collection
of South American birds. Recently Mr. Frank Vincent, Commis-
sioner of the Exposition from Trinidad, presented a lot of mounted
birds from the Island of Trinidad.
The Department has sent a representative to the Island of San
Domingo to make explorations in the southern and interior part of
that now little known land, while the Curator is at work in Florida.
r.9
THE DEPARTMENT OF ANTHROPOLOGY.
71
and by extensive collections, are prop-
allied arts of taste, illustrated
erly assembled in Art Museums, where they serve a practical purpose
of great importance, affording necessary facilities for the study of art.
and transferred to the Museum at the close of the Fair; and second,
those acquired by the Museum directly, by collection, purchase and
gift during the period of twelve months intervening between its
inception and the present date. Aside from these resources the
presence of a number of loan collections adds to the volume of
exhibits.
.73
:
48,000 entries for the catalogue now under preparation in this depart-
ment.
SOUTH COURT HALL OF ABORIGINAL AMERICAN SCULPTURE.
This court is occupied by a great series of casts of Central
American sculptures, and a number of similar exhibits from Mexico
and Peru. There are also four imposing totem poles or heraldic
columns from the North westCoast tribes, and a series of photographs
representing Central American sculptures and architectural remains.
EAST COURT.
This court is at present largely occupied by collections illustrat-
ing the archaeology of North America. In two instances the alcoves
which surround the court are filled with exhibits germane to the halls
for which they serve as lobbies; thus alcove 82 contains collections
73
Plan of Department of Anthropology.
(Comprises Sections with heavy face titles).
relating- to the archaeology of Egypt, and alcove 93 is occupied by
works of the Northwest Coast tribes. A group of boats, mainly per-
taining to primitive peoples, is installed in the court near the west
end and it expected that in the near future these and the several
is
unclassified exhibits, now occupying the east end of the court, will
give way to the Viking Ship and the Columbus Caravel "Santa Maria."
NORTH COURT.
The following rather miscellaneous exhibits occupy the north
court: A model of the new Reichstag, or Parliament House, at
Berlin, Germany; a collection of musical instruments, filling five
cases; a collection of antique objects of bronze and glass from various
localities in Sotithernliurope, filling five cases, and three cases of re-
productions of Irish antiqinties. In alcove 118 is the nucleus of a
development of printing; alcove
collection intended to illustrate the
122 contains the Gunning loan collection of idols, etc., and alcoves 123
and 124 are occupied by casts of Assyrian antiquities forming a part
of the collection installed in the adjoining Hall 2.
THE HALLS.
Hall 2 contains the Berlin collection of plaster casts of Chaldaeo-
Assyrian antiquities.
Hall 3 is occupied by the collection of Egyptian antiquities.
Hall 4 is devoted to much diversified collections of ethnogra-
phic material from the Pacific Islands.
Hall 5 contains Siberian, Japanese, Javanese, Singalese and East
Indian materials.
Hall 6 has an extensive series of ethnologic exhibits from Africa.
Hall 7 is occupied by the contents of a Chinese Joss House or
temple, consisting in the main of gaudily dressed paper mache figures
forming religious tableaux.
Halls 10 and 11 contain the larger part of the Eskimo material
representing North Greenland, Alaska, and to a limited extent, East-
ern Siberia.
Halls 12 and 13 are filled with a fine assemblage of ethnologic
specimens from the Northwest Coast.
Halls 14 and 15 contain extensive collections of antiquities from
Peru, Colombia and other vSouth American countries.
Halls 16 and 17 are occupied mainly by ethnologic collections
from vSouth America including superb materials from Paragtiay
and British Guiana.
Hall 18, Ayer hall in this fine hall is placed the great collection of
;
TEXTILE INDUSTRIES.
77
In a half completed condition there is an example of what the
Jacquard loom has done in the way of weaving carpet an excellent —
—
specimen in the way of construction being of old Germantour yarn.
There is also a model of a Japanese hand loom such as is used
to-day for the weaving of silk tapestries, also a small pattern in many
hues partly woven, and a metal model of the mechanical portions
of a Jacquard loom of the present day.
78
designs and coloring' of brocades, velvets, damasks, and embroideries
of many combinations. Also a striking collection of Italian tassels
of probably the seventeenth century,
A recent acquisition to the Section of Textile Industries worthy
of note is the collection of more than eighty well selected specimens
of Indian fabric, of a brocade pattern.
79
The collection of quartz and quartz cutting is considered,
equal if not superior to any in the world —notably —:
A
fine specimen of hydrolite, the bubble, of symetrical shape,
being two and a half inches in diameter.
Opals in the native state, also engraved and polished — including
the famous Sun God opal from the Hope collection said to have been
known in a Persian temple for three centuries.
Superb moonstones from Ceylon.
Two large pearl shells from the west coast of Australia, weigh-
ing together 151.55-1,000 ounces.
A collection of cameos and intaglios —exceedingly fine examples
of the glyptic art, containing many specimens cut previous and subse-
quent to 500 A. D. Among the stones used are red jasper, cornel-
ian, onyx, chalcedony, sardonyx and smoky quartz.
The Tiffany collection of India jewelr}' forms the most complete
series ever exhibited many of the pieces are very old, of rare forms,
;
81
This collection also contains two large and handsomely designed
maces of solid silver which were carried in advance of a maharajah
by his attendants or on state occasions. Very few maces have ever
been brought out of India.
CERAMIC INDUSTRY.
82
TRANSPORTATION.
83
•
head, a relic ofAmerican colonial days. The Cuban volante,
the ox cart of Mexico, and the Red River cart from the
carreta,
great Northwest and a series of models demonstrates the widely
diversified construction of wheeled vehicles in all parts of the
world. In addition to this is a very large collection of photo-
graphs, prints, and lithographs of vehicles.
Next to the wheeled vehicles is the street car, an excellent
specimen of the early cable car, and
the first grip car run for
public use, invented by Mr. A. S. Hallidie of San Francisco, Cal.
A series of photographs of street and tram-cars illustrate the
beginning of the present railroad system.
THE RAILWAY.
85
rail, a full size reproduction is here represented with two of the first
original cars it drew upon the Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, colliery road.
They stand on a road bed that formed a part of the original stone
sleepers and track first built in 1800.
In the way embraces the
of original old engines this collection
most valuable examples in existence of American progress.
historical
Standing in their original form are four of the original Grasshoppers,
and as none were built subsequent to 1836, not one of the quartet is
less than fifty-seven years old.
The first, the Atlantic, built in 1832, is the oldest locomo-
tive in its original form
America; the Traveler, 1833, the first
in
distinctively freight engine built in America. It has been over
sixty 3^ears in continuous service; the Mazeppa, 1835, the first
of the crab type; and the Thomas Jefferson, 1836, the last of this
famous quartet.
The contributions to the Museum by the Illinois Central
Company are the original old engine Mississippi, 1836, the first loco-
80
locomotives and a gallery containing upwards of eighteen hundred
uniformly framed examples of detail plans, photographs, and prints,
and lithographs of locomotives, passenger cars, ro3'al trains, and
various railroad appliances, indicating progress in connection with
the great locomotive manufacturing companies and car builders of
the world. There are also a series of drawings illustrating the
development of the air brake, a series of maps showing the rail-
road occupation of the United vStates by decades from 1S30 to 1890;
and "The "West" series complete, consisting of fourteen plates
showing in detail the evolution and development of the English
locomotive.
The evolution and development of permanent way is here illus-
trated in a series of wash drawings embracing a hundred different
types. With this is. a series of pen and ink drawings, and models
showing the development of the American railway bridge, by
Theodore Cooper and Benjamin H. Latrobe, including the first
original iron railroad bridge ever erected in America, and with it a series
of photographs of the great Memphis bridge across the Mississippi
rh^er, and other equally noted structures of the kind.
The collectionmade and presented to the Museum by the Penn-
sylvania Railroad Company for the World's Columbian Exposition is
and 57 of the Museum, and in an interesting man-
installed in Halls 41
ner brings out the progressive growth in this great railroad system.
The exhibit embraces:
Aseries of models illustrating the method of transportation in
early days prior to the railroad, beginning with the old Conestoge
wagon, the stage coach, etc.
Sectional canal boats transported on railroad trucks over the
mountains.
The machiner}- of the inclined planes on the old Portage railroad.
A large model showing the system of the old and the new Portage
railroads crossing the Allegheny mountains, with the modern system
of today.
A series of models of the famous John Bull locomotive and other
early engines of the road.
The development of the railroad car.
Models development of the Company's S3'stem of
illustrating the
railroad signals and the system of transfer of passengers and freight
in New York Harbor.
Relief maps of the Company's terminals at Jersey City and Phil-
adelphia.
Panels in bas-relief representing four centuries of progress in
transportation from 1492 to 1892.
87
A series of publications and documents covering the whole his-
inception.
An extensive series of models illustrating the growth of this
great corporation.
A large globe showing the traffic of the Pennsylvania Railroad
system.
Following these are many relics of old time railroad appliances,
of permanent way, and of transportation before the railroad, a section
of the original old Portage road bed and track on which is placed one
of the old original passenger coaches built in 1836.
A series of original rail sections illustrating the development of
the iron and steel rail form a part of this interesting exhibit.
Added to this is a large collection of maps of the road, photo-
graphs of locomotives and views along the line of the road covering
the whole system of the Pennsylvania Railroad.
—
THE LIBRARY.
B9
the selective care of Mr. Geo. F. Kunz, the well known author oi
"Gems and Semi-Precious Stones of the United States," This col-
lection included a large number of rare works of the sixteenth and
seventeenth centuries, containing chapters treating of the subjects
on which Mr. Kunz is an acknowledged authority.
This branch of the Library was further increased by the dona-
tion of the private collection of Mr. F. J. V. vSkiff containing valuable
works on mining, metallurgy, geology, and mineralogy.
Another collection that materially strengthened the library
and brought it to the front rank in one specialty was the library on
ornithology purchased of Mr. Charles B, Cory of Boston, Mr. Cory
had made his library as comprehensive as were his bird collections
in which he had a professional pride. It contains the proceedings
and transactions of the leading ornithological and zoological societies;
the individual works of different writers on the class Aves are num-
erous, and standard reference books of the working ornithologist. In
this connection it may be mentioned that the Museum is to become
the recipient of the extensive ornithological library of its President,
Mr. E. E. Ayer. The combination of the collections of Mr. Cory
and Mr. Ayer will place the library in the first rank of libraries on
this specialty.
The extensive collection on railway evolution prepared for the
exhibit of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad at the Columbian Expo-
sition has been loaned to the library and furnishes very complete data
on this branches of the transportation industry. This literature is
of great use, accompanying as it does the large collections in the east
annex of the Museum.
The purchases that are constantly being made are placing upon
the shelves the best reference literature on Geology, Botany, Zoology,
Anthropology, and the Industrial Arts.
''
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91