The Indian museum, 1814-1914.

  • Indian Museum.
Date:
1914
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The Indian museum, 1814-1914. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by UCL Library Services. The original may be consulted at UCL (University College London)

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    in the Arts and Sciences; secondly, for the elucidation and investigation of the specimens so collected and for the diffu- sion of the knowledge acquired thereby; and, thirdly, to make suitable arrangements calculated to arouse the interest of the public and to promote their instruction. As regards the first two of these functions, the Indian Museum has no reason to reproach itself. We have taken adequate steps for purposes of record; that is, to preserve, for future comparative and critical study, the material upon which investigations have been made in the past, or which may confirm, correct, or modify the results of such studies. We have also taken measures for the advancement of learn- ing, inasmuch as we have aided learned men in the work of extending the boundaries of knowledge, by affording them the use of material for investigation, laboratories, libraries and appliances. Nor have we been slow to stimulate original work in connection with our own collections and to promote the publication of the results reached by our investigators. But I regret to confess, with a feeling of disappointment, that when I examine the history of the Indian Museum from the point of view of its third function as a possible powerful instrument for the instruction of the public, I cannot say that the fullest measure of success has been achieved. In so far as this third function is concerned, the Museum may be regarded, first, as an adjunct to the class room and the lecture room; secondly, as a bureau of information; and thirdly, as an institution for the culture of the people. A considerable measure of successful work has been accom- plished in each of these directions, within the limited means at our disposal; but these aims are matters of vital impor- tance for the promotion of which further determined effort must be made. If we desire to furnish to the advanced or professional student, materials and opportunity for laboratory training; if we desire to aid the teacher of elementary, secondary, or technological knowledge in expounding to his pupils the principles of Art, Nature and History ; our scientific staff must be materially strengthened ; it would be disastrous to the success of the Indian Museum as an instrument for the