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SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION 1250

The Museum should not be a 'National Cabinet of Curiosities' nor become 'the attic of the United States.'

"Consideration might be given to a rational reclassification of its collections and their reorganization in several more or less autonomous units under the Smithsonian Institution. A firm stated policy, implemented by adequate financial support, would help in defining the proper division of functions between Museum departments and between the Museum and other organizations, both within and without Government. Collections are expensive to obtain and still more expensive to maintain. It is obvious that duplication is to be avoided whenever possible.

"As to the exhibition functions of the Museum, which should be secondary to its reference and research functions, consideration might be given to the extent and purpose of the exhibits and the question as to how far curators who are primarily custodians of reference collections or investigators should be concerned with exhibition. There is need for guidance on a national basis for museum exhibition. The natural place to look for such guidance is to the National Museum.

"National Zoological Park. The National Zoological Park is without question an institution which functions effectively as a means of entertainment, recreation and, to some extent, instruction for residents of Washington and visitors to Washington. Its inclusion under the Smithsonian, an Institution established "for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men," does not appear logical. To develop it as a truly national institution and as a scientific institution would require far greater funds than it now has.

A.W.