Viewing page 9 of 27

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

[[top margin]]

1 copy 8-31-86.

[[circled]] Printed in full [[/circled]]

Hitchcock K3 upper

Ann. rep 85-86

[[purple stamp]] EXAMINED BY MR. RATHBUN MARCH 1913. [[/purple stamp]]

[[/top margin]]

In accordance with your suggestion that I should prepare a report covering in a general way, the period of my connection with the museum, I have endeavored to give, in a condensed form, a review of the work done, and a statement of the present condition of the collections in my charge.  The different divisions of work assigned to me cover so large a field that is has been impossible to give particular attention to all of them.  My work has, therefore been mainly confined to the two sections of Textiles and Foods.  In addition to these I have received and classified material belonging to the following sections as enumerated in the "Scheme of Museum Classification" devised by yourself, and published in the "Proceedings" of the museum 1881, Appendix, [[underline]] viz. [[/underline]] - 

12 The Elements & their combinations, Chemical Collection
21 Preparation of food-stuffs, narcotics, etc.
22 Distillation, Manufacture of perfumeries, etc.
23 Oils, fats, soaps & waxes; their preparation and use.
24 Gums, resins, glues, cements.
25 Pigments and dyes.
26 The chemical manufacturers & their products.
29 Fibres, cordage, textile fabrics, needle work.
30 Paper & its manufacture

I have also taken charge of the Smithsonian collection of philosophical apparatus, which is on exhibition in the north hall.

In a communication from you dated Oct 13th 1885 you expressed a desire that I would "take charge of all technological material especially raw [[strikethrough]] products [[/strikethrough]] materials and products not otherwise already assigned," and stated that