Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-07-15

Smithsonian published the results This
made the discoveries available to science
and gave impetus TO similar work by
other museums
When in 1871 Baird was appointed
the first Commissioner of Fisheries, the
subsequent expansion in the investiga-
ton Of marine life gave the museum
new sources from which to draw. The
collections soon overfiowed the building
assigned to them, and In 1912, an APP
preparation from Congress permitted
erection of the beautiful unit known as
the New National Museum. This struc-
ture Is supposed to hold only natural
history objects, but the collections of all
the other departments take up more
or less space. At present, this building
is one OF the strangest museums in the
world, for within its walls are collec-
tons Of mammoths. dinosaurs. pianos,
paintings. bronze statuary and battle
ship models.
THIS Government museum divides
naturally into three main branches,
the natural history section, arts and in
duStrieS and history. The purpose of
the natural history section Is research
and the increase OF knowledge, while
the two other branches are concerned
With dihusing knowledge and exhibit
ing materials.
Ninety scientists are engaged in the
study OF these collections. Their work
is frequently of value in the solution of
problems affecting the country as a
whole. To wit, whenever an insect
pest threatens blight on community,
1t is captured by the Department Of
Agriculture and referred to the standard
- N4k
Entomologists have millions OF speci-
mems carefully catalogued, and all that
man knows about one Of these animals
is readily available
In addition TO the museums regular
staff, hundreds Of scientists from all
parts Of the world visit Washington
every year to spend some time In the
study Of these unequaled collections.
The most important parts of the arts
and industries and historical collections
are exhibited 70 the public. but most of
the fossils OF animals and plants and
the preserved specimens of insects are
kept In laboratories.
James Smithson was an aristocrat
son Of the Duke OF Northumberland and
descendant on his mothers side from
Henry VII. All his life he suffered from
a sinister veil around his name. And
although he was never courted in his
own country by Lady Fame, he devoted
himself TO neurological and chemical
studies. He was admitted to the IA
nous Royal Society at the age of o.
Every man." said SmithGon, lis a
valuable member OF society who, by
his observations, researches and expert
ments, procures knowledge for men"
Grounding his life and career on this
simple precept, he made contributions
.frtt sef
When at the age Of 81 he made his
viii his personal fortune OF $540.O was
bequeathed TO the United States Of
America to found at Washington. under
the name of the Smithsonian Institu-
ton, an establishment for the increase
and diffusion OF knowledge among
men"
August 10. 1916, the Twenty-ninth
Congress gave form TO the Smithsonian
Institution. Basic ideas for the charter
we're drawn up by John Quincy Adams.
Joel r. Poinsett, Richard Rush and
Robert Dale Owen.
6CoME people" said Secretary ABB
~ bot, ARE accustomed TO think OF the
Smithsonian AS a Government bureau.
1t la not. Founded by the private for
tune Of foreigner AS his memorial,
given by him To the United States In
trust, ii is worldwide IN scope. Three
Of our early Presidents and six success
siye Congresses gave much thought 10
the form Smithsons memorial should
take.
BY the wisdom of Secretary Henry
there grew activities OF great public
value, The first six among these are
the National Museum, the Weather Blu
Feau, the system Of international ex~
changes Of scientific literature, the
scientific library OF 100000 volumes In
| the Library Of Congress, the United
j States Fish Commission and the Bureau
Of American Ethnology. Four other
enterprises arose later, namely, the Ma
tional Geological Park. the Astrophysi-
cal Observatory. International Catalogue
of Scientific Literature and the Ma
ilnnaI Gallery of All. which inclIdes