Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-09-10

FFlIlAI-S ana ATTENDANTS AZ the
IA museums and the Geological
Park of this city have observed
that the great majority OF Wis
itors to these institutions see
very little of what is contained therein.
The ordinary sightseer simply views a
few of the conspicuous objects and
leaves, apparently satisfied that he has
taken in the whole thing" The people
who really find delight In such collections
are those enthusiasts Upon certain par
ticular subjects yclept lobbyists" and
they are very likely to find their respect
i've hobbies represented In some one or
other of the governments collections in
Washington
The lobbyist may or may not be a
student, but it is most probable that he
is. The interest which he takes in his
particular subject naturally induces him
to learn all he can about IL from all pos
sible sources. If his Imagination is ex-
cited and his attention enthralled by the
spectacle Of the Egyptian antiquities In
the National Museum. everything pertain
ing to ancient Egypt becomes Of absorb
ing and intense interest to him. He
learns to decipher the hieroplyphic writ
inss that he may interpret. for his edi-
fication. the inscriptions on obeiisk and
mummy case. He solves the mystery of
those strange forms depicted in stone and
on papyrus. old half-animai gods and
goddesses, of the land OF the Pharaoh.
and will hold forth concerning the belief
of the extinct people In the mystic pow
ers of the odd NEUROLOGICAL creatures un-
til the average mind reels at the amount
Of singular lore.
A young man who 10 an employee of the
- t. hob vfcx
of this sort on Egyptology. and is par
ticularly well up on the deeds and say
ings of a royal parsonage OF the name OF
Amenhotep, as well as on the meaning
Of the scarabaeus or sacred beetle.
abundantly represented in the collection
In the form OF various ornaments. IL the
visitor il in q hurry, and u not especially
Interested in ancient Egypt, IL would be
just as well for him IL he did not en-
counter this enthusiast site young man when
visiting the collection.
The enthusiast pursues his hobby until,
in some instances, he lives more In the
remote past than i'm the present. He con-
jures up ancient forms and ceremonials
and social customs. even extinct methods
OF thought. Every one OF those deiicately
wrought trin!lets that decorated the per-
son Of some Pharaoh or princess. anu
that has reposed upon the mummiiied
body several thousands OF years. the
symbols wrought i'm pottery. with their
religious significance, the customs. tradi-
lions and beliefs of the long-extinguished
race thus perpetuated In fragments. as IL
were. which can be contemplated and
handled, apparently contribute TO a de-
light i'm which lis curiously blended the
adults intelligence with the childs love
of plaything.
IL has even been remarked that there is
to be found among the learned professors
who preside over the wonders exhibited
to the public. but who are themselves
rarely seen most pronounced types OF ,
lobbyists. Thus there is one Of these
scientists who is most enthusiast ticaily de-
voted to craniology. and the discovery OF
a skull of a singular form or with an ex-
ira bit of bone somewhere about II fills
him with the profoundest emotions. This
brains and IL il said that he. like many
of his learned colleagues. has willed his
own organ of thought 10 the interests OF
science. The brain of the late Prof. Pow
ell, one of the most illustrious scientists
of the Smithsonian Institution, II to be
seen among the museums collection. Ii
has been remarked. indeed. with some
show OF reason. that the preparat tor OF an
effective museum exhibit must of neccs-
sity by a lobbyist, and that the true dew
otee of science Is an individual of this
who can doubt?
-
The youngsters who frequent the COL
iections frequently exhibit symptoms of
hobbies. which may take the form of his
torcal exhibits or firearms. or scientific
of various sorts One boy.
apparently about ten years OF age. was
observed TO be particularly devoted to |
the exhibit of firearms. and to one rife. |
In particular. to inspect which he would !
make his way. seemingly from quite a |
distance in all weathers, once appearing |
before the Waterman at the door In a |
heavy snowstorm, with his umbrella 4
blown inside out, and generally demolish- !
3D. but with his own enthusiasm evidently l
for he made his way TO the /
case in which was contained the gun, and |