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12.

tion, specifically important from its practical bearings, is that devoted to patents relating to all the graphic arts, including, of course, the modern photo-mechanical processes.  Under the direction of Dr. J. W. Osborne, of Washington, who has given his advise and time gratuitously, lists of such patents issued in all countries are now making, and many of them have already been procured.  But the completion of this work, and its utilization by the public must [[strikethrough]] [[illegible]] [[/strikethrough]] be deferred to the future.

    A pressing necessity, finally, is the labelling of the specimens exhibited, and the preparation of an elementary manual for the use of visitors, without which the collection is practically useless.  All that can be said concerning this matter is, that a number of essays have been made which, it is hoped, will lead to a result before long.

    The present state of the collection, so far as the number of entries on the catalogue shows it, has already been alluded to.  On June 30, 1888, there were 1671 entries, showing that the additions during