1743) a de heh aS # sw co a & on wey een ars ae CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY FROM THE LIBRARY OF PROFESSOR. RALPH S$. “LARR 1864-1912 GIFT OF RussELL TARR 1939 olin,anx A HISTORY OF THE Illinois State Museum of Natural History BY A. R. Crook JUNE, 1907 SPRINGFIELD, ILL: Phillips Bros., State Printers. 1907 MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY. BOARD OF TRUSTEES. Cuares S. DENEEN, Governor. James A. Rose, Secretary of State. Francis G. Brair, Superintendent of Public Instruction. A. R. Croox, Curator. Miss Fannie FisHer, Assistant Curator. HISTORY OF THE ILLINOIS STATE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY. (A paper presented at the Pittsburgh Meeting of the American Association of Museums.) PREFACE. The work of bringing the following material together has not been done in the spirit of idle inquiry into things of small moment but for the purpose of learning of events which have had valuable results. There is a dearth of records concerning the Museum. For long periods of years no catalogues were made. The catalogues that were begun within the last thirty years have not been made complete. But few curator’s reports have ever been published. The facts presented have been found in the “State Laws,” “Geo- logical Survey Reports,” in two “Curator’s Reports,” in letters and from conversation with people acquainted with the institution. If the history of a dozen or more like institutions in the country were written there would doubtless be presented facts which would be of valuable service to those institutions and render them more capable of efficiently carrying out the purpose of their foundation. A. R. Crook, June 12, 1907. NORWOOD. J. G. HISTORY OF THE ILLINOIS STATE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY. The existence of the Illinois State Museum of Natural History, may be said to begin with the enactment of a law in February, 1851, es- tablishing a State Geological Survey. The 4th section of the law reads: “It shall be the duty of said geologist to procure and preserve a full and entire suit of the different specimens found in the State and cause them to be delivered to the Secretary of State, who shall cause them to be properly ar- ranged in a cabinet, and deposited in some apartment in, or convenient to, the capitol. Said suit shall be sufficiently large to furnish specimens to all in- stitutions of learning within the State, empowered to confer degrees in the arts and sciences,” * Thus the history of the Museum covers a period of fifty-six years. At first it was conducted as a part of the geological survey, but for the last thirty years as an independent institution, although ‘by the law of 1877, which established the Museum upon a separate basis, it was pro- vided that the curator “perform the Acts which are or may be required by law of the State Geologist.” Geology was the science that led to the establishment of the Museum and that caused its vigorous growth. The other sciences such as zoology, botany and archaeology have been secondary, chronologically and materially. But in later years their importance has increased. The first man to be chosen as State Geologist, was a doctor of medicine, J. G. Norwood,{ a native of Indiana, who was thought by the committee to meet the requirements of the law to the effect that the appointee be a “geologist of known integrity and practical skill.” Dr. Norwood had been assistant geologist under D. D. Owen, on a geological survey of Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota, and had just written a report which was his most extensive work either before or after that time. It covered 205 quarto pages, was illustrated with drawings and plates, and gave a description of the geology of a portion * The clause providing for the delivery of the specimens to the Secretary of State, ‘who shall cause them to be properly arranged in a cabinet,” seems never to have been carried out inasmuch as the first two State Geologists took charge of the materials and later curators were appointed. + Laws of Illinois, 1877, section 5, p. 15. t Dr. Norwood’s son, Prof. C. J. Norwood, is at present State Geologist of Kentucky. 8 of Minnesota and of the western shores of Lake Superior. Previous to that time he had published a geological report on Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin (54 pages), and a description of an Echinoderm (3 pages). In ’55 he published three articles (34 pp.) on fossils and in °57 an “Abstract of Report on Illinois Coal,” with geological map of Illinois. (106 pp.) For full list see below.* Norwood began his work July 29, 1851, and in the fall of the year employed two young men as assistants. One of them, Anthony Var- ner, died shortly after; but the other, A. H. Worthen, was connected with the work for many years, and at his death was one of the most widely known geologists in the State. Norwood considered it to be of prime importance to assemble ma- terials with which to work, and for this end began to form a museum. He says, “a rich and extensive collection of minerals and organic re- mains was made during that season (1851) and the ensuing winter was devoted to arranging them.” Collecting was continued so vigorously in ’52 that in ’53, Norwood says (ibid p. 12): “The collection of rocks, minerals and organic re- mains made for the State is large and valuable. For the magnificent collection of fossils made during the survey, it is particularly indebted tu Mr. Worthen, whose industry and zeal cannot be too highly praised.” In confirmation of his opinion that as far as carboniferous fossils are concerned the collection is ‘unequalled in this country,’ Norwood pre- sents a letter{ from D. D. Owen,§ dated New Harmony, Indiana, Jan. 19, 1853, in which Owen says: “Respecting the collections made on the Illinois Survey, which I have in- spected, I have to state that I consider it the finest collection ever made in the same length of time, on any survey that has come within my notice. «x * * The collection is both rich in minerals and fossils; some of rare beauty and perfection * * * ,.” 7 a 1846. J. G. Norwood and D. D. Owen. Description of Echinoderm from St. 0uis. Am. Jour, Science (2) Vol. II, p. 225-8. 1847—and Owen, D. D. Researches among the Protozoic and Carboniferous rocks of Central Kentucky, ete. , Abstract Am. Jour. Science, 2d series, Vol. 5, pp. 268-269. 1848—and Owen, D. D. (Devonian fossils near the falls of the Ohio.) Boston Soc. Nat. Hist. Proc. Vol. 2, Pp. 16. Norwood, J. G. Report of a Geological Reconnaissance of Chippewa, Wisconsin ; pp. 73-129, 30th Cong., Ist Sess., Senate Ex. Doc. No. 57, Washington. 1852. Geology of Minnesota and Shores of Lake Superior; Geological Survey of Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota, by D. D. Owen, pp. 213-418, plates, Philadelphia. 1855. J. G. Norwood and H. Pratten. Notice of Producti in Western States. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci., Philadelphia. (2) Vol. III, pp. 5-22. Notice of Chonetes. 7 Journal Acad. Nat. Sci., Philadelphia, Vol. I, p. 23-32. Notice of Fossils from Carboniferous. Jour, Acad. Nat. Sci., Philadelphia, Vol. III, pp. 71-77. 1857. Abstract of a report on Illinois coal, 93 pages, 5 plates, map, Chicago, Illinois Geol. Survey. 1860. Discovery of Permian Rocks at LaSalle, III. St. Louis Acad. Sci. Trans., Vol. I, pp. 115-116. 1866. Norwood, J. G. Report on Rosiclare lead mines Geo. Sur. Ill., Vol. I pp. 366-372, plates, Chicago. | , 1874. Abstract of notes on Madison county. Geo. Sur. Missouri, report 1873-74 Vol. I. pp. 371-379. Jefferson City. + Norwood, “Report of Progress of the State Geological Survey,” 1853, p. 6. t Ibid. D. D. Owen, the well known author of many geological papers; ge ’ dione survey, 1837-45; op survey of Wis. Minn. and Iowa, 1848; Stake Conse Ark., 1857. 9 The collection at this time was in New Harmony. The inappropriate- ness of such a location was soon realized and consequently in December, 1854, the specimens and all museum materials were packed in boxes to be sent by boat down the Wabash 4o miles to the Ohio, 120 miles down the Ohio to the Mississippi, 140 miles up the Mississippi to St. Louis, from thence by rail 100 miles to Springfield. But cold weather filled the rivers with ice and the museum did not reach Springfield till the following April, (1855). Even then it was given a cool reception since no place could be found for housing it. Finally it was stored in the Supreme Court room in the building which at that time served as State House. In a few months, in order to make room for the ap- proaching session of the Court it was moved to the Senate’ Chamber where it was made accessible during the winter of ’55 and 56. During the summer it was moved to the new arsenal building where new cases and drawers were provided. ‘ But unfortunately the building was not heated and not only did the workers suffer but their reagents and ink froze and consequently dur- ing two or three months the work was given up entirely. Such were the obstacles encountered by Dr. Norwood—the neces- sity of moving the museum three times, finally alighting in a place unfit for work; the newness of the field, there having been practically no geological work done previously in the State; and finally the handicap of small appropriations—from $3,500 to $5,500 per annum only being allowed for all expenses including salaries of geologist and two assist- ants, traveling and office expenses and publications. In the face of such cbstacles even if the worker were energetic and competent there would be danger of criticism from people ignorant of the difficulties under which the work was done.. After six years’ work, there being some dissatisfaction with the results shown by the survey* a committee of nine legislators was appointed to investigate the work and reported} that Dr. Norwood deserved “great credit for the faithful attention which had been bestowed upon this branch of his duty” (the museum). In reply to a request from the committee for his opinion of the museum, the State Geologist of Missouri, G. C. Swallow, wrote :} “The collection is very large and contains a great variety of minerals and fossils. * * * When properly arranged and set up in a suitable room, it cannot fail to be a source of pride and gratification to every citizen of Illinois * * * .” In spite of these commendations the Governor’s message above quoted reads: “From the unsatisfactory progress made, however, and ‘from the fact that nothing in relation to the survey had ever been published or even presented for publication (with the exception of a pamphlet of a hundred pages, the publication of which was obtained by the State officers after much effort and within the last eighteen months) it was deemed essential to reorganize the corps. This was done last spring (March 22, ’58) and A. H. Worthen was placed at its head.” In behalf of Dr. Norwood it might be noted, however, that even his talented successor did not bring out his first report until 1866—that is ® See Governor Bissell’s “Governor’s Message,” Journal of the Senate, 1859. + Report of the Committee on the Geological Survey, Feb. 10, 57, p. 4. ¢ Ibid, p. 12. Io after eight years in the office, having Norwood's seven year’s collections to build upon and an especial appropriation of $21,000 for printing, etc., as well as his own fourteen years’ experience. This does not detract from the credit of Worthen but implies that Norwood was expected to’ make bricks without straw. Creditable work of that kind requires both time and money. : There is something of the irony of fate in other features of the change. The originators of the survey could not sufficiently empha- size the importance of having a survey which should be as they termed it, “practical.” The geologist was to be a man of “practical skill,” his reports were to be “purely economical,” “strictly cf an economical character,” etc. As it happened Norwood wrote more often on palaeon- tology than upon anything else and Worthen’s work was more than half palaeontological in quality and three-quarters so in scientific im- portance. The same is true of other curators. This was natural be- cause at that time paleontology offered the most attractive field for original work and it would have required a very high legislative fence to keep the workers out. During the early years of Worthen’s incumbency the museum re- mained in the arsenal. It was then moved to a room in the Masonic Hall. Concerning this Worthen says:* “These specimens, now com- prising the largest and most valuable State cabinet in the west, are kept in a rented room * * * Permit me * * * to call your at- tention to the importance of securing a suitable fire-proof building for the reception and display of the specimens.” In spite of this suggestion the museum remained in that room and a fire did partly destroy the building. How much damage was done to the specimens it has not been possible for the writer to ascertain. But in 1875 Worthen writes:+ “The large collection of geological speci- mens accumulated by the Survey, remains in the condition it was left by the fire in the Masonic Hall building, where it was formerly kept, no proper place having as yet been’ provided for its reception * * * .” From 1863 to 1870 Worthen in carrying out the provision of the law of 1851{ requiring the distribution of typical collections of duplicates among educational institutions of the State, sent specimens to Prairie City Academy, Rockford Female Seminary, Monmouth College, Nor- mal, Lombard, Wesleyan and Northwestern Universities. Letters to these institutions inquiring about the collections yielded information to the writer from Northwestern University only. The collection sent there, entered upon the record books of that institution September 8-15, 1871, by Prof. Oliver Marcy in characteristically accurate man- ner, consisted of 348 fossils and 52 rocks. If like materials were sent to all seven institutions the number would be 2800 specimens. Worthen found the work too large a drain upon his time.§ By the adoption of a new State Constitution in 1872 the appropria- * Geo. Sur. of Ill, Vol. I, 1866, p. VII. + Geol. Survey of Ill, Vol. VI, p. IV. t Section 4. 6 Vol. I. mh SI. I2 The most substantial assistance was rendered by the State Labora- tory of Natural History, then at Normal. Prof. Forbes sent to the museum its chief zoological materials—alcoholic specimens of fishes and reptiles, artistic casts of Illinois fishes, mounted birds and-mam- mals—a buffalo, deer, bear and-smaller mammals. In the early eighties* the curator selected “a complete series of car- boniferous fossils for the State Museum of Natural History out of the great mass of material brought together in the progress of the geolog- ical survey of the State * * * .” And as the years passed the orderliness and value of the collections were increased by diligent work. This improvement, however, availed but little, since in the last years of Prof. Worthen’s life, against his protests and during his absence from Springfield, the museum was moved by ordinary laborers who had no more idea of the value of museum materials that Geronimo had of Shakespeare, and who threw things into inextricable confusion. (About 1887). Of this move Dr. Josua Lindahl who was Prof. Worthen’s succes- sor writes: A : ““# # #& You may, however, get some idea of its chaotic condition, when I tell you that the entire collections in the museum rooms had been moved in the last year of Professor Worthen’s life; against his protests and in his ab- sence from Springfield, from out of the upper floors down to the main floor of the Capitol by order of some higher authority who engaged a furniture moving concern to remove the whole museum, without the supervision of anybody who had the least idea of how scientific material should be handled. Only in exceptional cases were the labels fixed to the specimens, and none of these had any numbers written or painted on them. Labels and specimens were therefore shoveled into the drawers and showcases at haphazard, and by no means always so that the labels belonged to any specimens in the same drawer. In the basement the condition was, if possible, still worse. There was no closed room assigned to the storage of the vast amount of valuable inaterial accumulated in the course of about 35 years, but it was piled up in an open portion of the basement, and workmen of various kinds had been using the pile as a dump for rubbish under which I would never have ex- pected such a treasury of valuable material as was finally uncovered there and removed to a separate room with door and lock, which I secured after much arguing. The assistant told me that Professor Worthen felt so grieved over the wreck of collections in the museum rooms, that he could never at- tempt to remedy the havoc. His health was already broken, and after his death, some months later, I found the collections in such a condition as in- dicated. I devoted years of assiduous work te saye what could be saved.” While curator, Worthen published no reports on the condition of the museum. The two bulletins which he brought out, Bulletin No. 1 (1882) and Bulletin No. 2 (1884) were descripttons of fossils. They were valuable contributions to the paleontology of Illinois. And he was able to publish Volume VII of the Geological Survey Report = Bull. No. 2, Ill. State Mus. Nat. Hist., p. 3. 13 (1883). For full list of papers see below.* He was a field geologist rather than a neuseum man in the modern sense of the word and it was fortunate for his reputation that such was the case. The partial de- struction ofa museum could not diminish his fame. Up to the time of his death more than two hundred thousand dollars had been spent for all purposes of the survey since its beginning. A very small portion of that had been applied for strictly museum purposes and yet the results in that direction were gratifying. Prof. Worthen died May 6, 1888. An account of his life and work is given by Bliss and White in the last report of.the first survey{ and it may be sufficient here to, mention a few facts only. He was born Oct. . 18, 1813 at Bradford, Vermont, and received his education in the public schools and. academy at that place. At twenty years of age he married and moved to Cumminsville, Ohio, now a suburb of. Cincinnati, where for two years he taught school. Then in 1836 he became a merchant in Warsaw, Illinois. But his avocation was the study of geology and as the years passed his in- terest grew with the increasing size of, his collections till finally science became his vocation as we have seen. Beginning by assembling the gcods for which Warsaw is famous and using them as a basis of exchange, and by industrious collecting he brought together one of the best cabinets of its kind owned by any. tite On the occurrence of fish remains in the Carboniferous simeerenes of Am. Assoc. Adv. Sci. Proc., Vol. 10, part 2, pp. 189-192. "1858. Geology of’ the DesMoines ‘Valley (and the southeastern counties). Geol. Surv. Iowa, Report by Hall and Whitney, Vol. 1, partl.,-p. 147-258. 3 ‘ieee Remarks on the discovery of a terrestrial flora’ in the mountain qhestoues oO ois. Am. Assoc, Adv. Sci., Proc., Vol. ao . 312-3138. 1860. Review of some points in . Shumard’s report on the geology of Ste. Genevieve county, Mo. , St. Louis Acad. Sci. Trans., Vol. 1, pp 696-698. Let 1862. Remarks on the age ‘of the so-called “Leclare limestone” and “Onondaga salt group” of the Iowa report. Am. Jour. Sco., 2d series, Vol. 33, pp. 46-48. 1866. Stratigraphical geology, tertiary deposits; and coal measures. (Sub-car- poniferous limestone series, Devonian and Silurian series.) s Geol Surv. Illinois, Vol. 1, pp. 40-152, plate 5, Chicago. Republished in Economical Geol. Ill, Vol. 1, Pp. 31-117, Springfield, 1882. Abstracts Neuss Jahrbuch, 1868, pp. 138- 145 ; Am. Jour. Sci., 2d series, ‘Vol. 43, pp. 110-111, 258, 1867. 1866. "Geology of Randolph (St. et Madison and Hancock counties.) Geol. Surv. Illinois, Vol. 1, Eee 78-349, Chicago, 1866. aah neni in Economical eology of Illinois, Vol. 1, pp. 210-290, Springfield, 1866. Physical features, spoon principles, and surface geology. Geol. Surv. Illinois, Vol. 1, pp. 1-39, Chicago. Republished in Wesuomical Geology of Illinois, Vol. 1, pp. 1-30, Springfield, 1882. 1866. Remarks on the occurrence of fossil fishes in the Illinois strata. Geol. Surv. Illinois, Vol. 2, paleontology, agp 8 11- a Chicago. Abstract Am. Jour. Sci., 2d series, Vol. , 1867. 1866. And Englemann, Henry, Hardin coun Geol. Surv. Illinois, Vol. 1. pp. 350-366, 372- 375, map, aie Republished in Economical Geology of Illinois, Vol. 1, pp. SS ot- 319; Seutapaend 1868. Coal measures and lower carboniferous limestones. Geol. Surv. Illinois, Vol. 3, pp. 1-19, Chicago. Abstract Am. Nat., Vol. 3, p. 44, 0. 1868. Coal measures of Thlinois. Read to Am. Assoc. Adv. Sci., 1867. Abstracts Am. Nat., Vol. 1, pp. 619- “620, 1868. Canadian Nat., i new oe Scott p. 285, 1868. 1868. Jersey (Greene, and Scott counties : : Geol. Surv. Illinois, Vol. 3, 104- 144, plates, ' Chicago, 1868. Reprinted in Hconomical Genleay of Tlinois, Vol. 2, pp. 24-71, seaicia, 1882. 1868. And Engelmann, Henry—Alexander (Union, ‘Jackson and Perry) counties. Geol. Surv. Illinois, Vol. 8, pp. 20-103, plate, Chicago. 1882. 14 private person in the west. He was connected with the museum longer than any of the other curators have been and brought to it its most unique specimens not by purchase, but by his own indefatigable labor The excellence of his scientific work was recognized by fellow work- ers at home and abroad. He was a gentleman of the highest type, both in his private and public life. E. O. Ulrich,} who was intimately acquainted with him, says concern- ing his character: “Tts salient features were: great love for scientific truth and justice; simplicity, unbounded affability, unswerving integ- rity coupled with an unpretentious yet strong desire to accomplish a useful career. His generosity and charity scarce knew bounds, while in his public and private life his frank and sympathetic nature and un- assuming yet dignified demeanor won the esteem of all with whom he came in contact.” Shortly after Prof. Worthen’s death a very fitting appointment was made in that of Prof. Josua Lindahl, Ph. D., to the curatorship on June 9, 1888. The appointee, the son of an eminent Swedish minister, born January 1, 1844, at Kongsbacka, is a graduate of the University of Lund where he pursued post graduate studies and taught for seven years. Before coming to this county he was assistant in the Royal Museum of Natural History at Stockholm. He was a member of a cog ee in Economical Geology of Illinois, Vol. 1, pp. 291-319, Springfield, Geol. Sury. Illinois, Vol. 4, geology and paleontology, pe. 345-346, Chicago. 1870. Calhoun (Pike, Adams, Brown, Schuyler and Fulton) counties. Geol. Surv. Illinois, Vol. 4, geology and paleontology, ee 1-110, Chicago, 1870. Reprinted-in Economical Geology of Illinois, pp. 237-360, Springfield, 1882. 1870. Remarks on the relative age of the Niagara and the so-called Lower Helder- berg groups. Am. Assoc. Adv. Sci., Proc., Vol. 19, PP. 172-175. 1871. (Synchronism of coal beds of Illinois with those of Kentucky.) Am, Nat., Vol. 5, p. 558, 1871. 1873. (Peoria, McDonough, Monroe, Macoupin and Sangamon counties.) Geol. Surv. Illinois, Vol. 5, geology and paleontology, pp. 235-319. Reprinted in Economical Geology of Illinois, Vol. 38, pp. 246-337, Springfield, 1882. 1875. Coal measures. Geol. Surv. of Illinois, Vol. 6, pp. 1-8, Boston, 1875. 1875. Clark (Crawford, Jasper, Lawrence, Richmond, Wabash, Edwards, White, Clay, Cumberland, Coles, Douglas, Williamson and Franklin) counties. Geol. Surv. Illinois, vol. 6. pp. 9-127. Boston. Reprinted in Economical Geology of Illinois, vol. 3, pp. 837-467, Springfield, 1882. 1875. Geological map of Illinois, in two large sheets, Boston. 1879. Illinois (geological formations.) Macfarlane’s Am. Geol. R. R. Guide. pp. 129-138. 1882. The coal field of Illinois. Economical Geology of Illinois, vol. 1, pp. 163-177, Springfield, 1882. 1883. Economical geology. Geol. Surv. Illinois, vol. 7, pp. 1-38, 1883. 1883. Notes on Lasalle county. Geol. Sury. Illinois, vol. 7, pp. 39-51. 1886. The Quaternary deposits of Illinois. Am. Assoc. Ady. Sci. Proc., vol. 84, pp. 214. Abstracts Am. Jour. Sci., 3d series, vol. 30, pp.315-316, 1885; Science, vol. 6, con ee frek Hwy. erie 2d a ae 209-221. 4 pproximate geological map o e State of Illinois reduced fr published in 1875, with vol. 6, Geological Survey of Iilinots eee see eol. Surv. nois, geology and palaeontology, vol. late at end, , Black and white map, scale 32 miles to the inch. oe Ay peeenenel eon sae eee of ast i ‘a eol. Surv. mois, geology and paleontology, Vol. 8 . 1-24 Abstract Geol. Mag. 8a decade, vol. 8, p. 355, isi.” PP 14 Springfield, 1890. 1890. Economical Geology. Geol. Surv. Illinois, geol. and paleontology, Vol. 8, pp. 25-67, Springfield. + Appendix of Vol. VIII, Geol. Survey of Il.. p. 3-37. t Geol. Survey of Ills., vol. 8, 1890, p. 15. ‘ JOSUA LINDAHL. 15 number of scientific expeditions—dredging expeditions in the Mediter- ranean and in the Atlantic—and zodlogist on an expedition sent to- Greenland by the Swedish government. As Secretary of the Royal Swedish Commission. at an international Geographical Congress he visited Paris and later, during the Centennial, Philadelphia, and was at- tracted by the country, He was knighted by King Oscar of Sweden for services in his native country. For the ten years immediately pre- ceding his connection with this museum, he had been Professor of Natural Science at Augustana College where he had built up a fine Natural History Museum. As an oftime contributor to Swedish and American magazines, he is well known and also for his translation into Swedish of Brehm’s cele- brated three volumed “Tilustriertes Thierleben.”’ His active interest in science is further indicated as was Prof. Wor- then’s, by’ membership in numerous scientific societies. Until quite recently’ he has been Director of the Cincinnati Society of Natural History. In 1889 the State Historical Library was made a separate institution. Elegant quarters have been assigned to it and it has been enabled to reach a size and importance greatly to be commended. For partial list of Lindahl’s papers see below :* No better man has been connected with the Museum than Lindahl. His first work upon assuming the curatorship was to put the museum in order. This proved to be an enormous task since the materials had never before been in such confusion and fortunately at no subsequent time has such disorder reigned. While engaged in this work he found time to édit Volume VIIT of the Geological Survey Report, which Worthen had prepared for pub- lication but was prevented from completing on account of his death. Preparations for the World’s Columbian Exposition were being made throughout the State and Lindahl was instructed to collect and place on exhibition in the Illinois State Building, materials that would prop- erly represent the geology of the State. He began with vigor to bring together illustrations of the stratigraphy, the palzontology and econv- mic geology of the State and with the aid of several able assistants, Profs. J. A. Udden, W. F. Nicholson, etc., soon had a very creditable exhibition. Unfortunately because of a change of the political party in power in the State, he was removed while in the midst of his work. Lindahl, with the true spirit of the curator, at all times showed himself to be a care taker and preserver of the materials and interests of the Museum. If his spirit had always prevailed the State Museum would at this time be much richer in materials than it is. * 1886. List of the Erologice formations of Spitzbergen. Am. Nat., vol. 20, pp. 451-452. pack Dr. N. O.’Holst’s studies in’ glacial geology. Am. Nat., vol. 22, pp. 589-598, 705-713. 1889. Report of the State of Illinois Historical Library and Natural History Museum, Springfield. 1891. Description of a skull of Megalonyx Ee Be | SP Springfield, Ill. Read before the American Philosophical Society, January 2, 18938. Geological Report. Report Illinois Board World’s Fair Commissioners. 16 His successor, William F. E. Gurley, was appointed in July, 1893. Mr. Gurley was born in Oswego, New York, June 5, 1854. His par- ents came to Danville, Ill., in 65, and since that time he has considcred that place his home. He was a student at Cornell University, and later became a prospector in Colorado, and for five years was city engineer at Danville. He early acquired a taste for geology and began to make a palzon- tological collection and library. AS to his tastes and his work while connected with the museum, Mr. Gurley says: “From the moment I first became interested in the subject of geology, I set to work accumulating a palaeontological collection and library and it was my ambition to place myself in a position financially where I could ‘settle down’ and devote myself entirely to this subject... ; i When a child of six years, I was rendered totally blind through sickness and, after a period of several months partly recovered my sight. I never fully recovered and during my entire life have been subjected to much inconven- jence from this source. For the most part my paleontological work was done in collaboration with Samuel A. Miller of Cincinnati, Ohio, and may be found in the various ‘bulletins’ issued when I was curator. During the last year I was curator, my eyes failed materially to such an extent that it became impossible for me to read common newspaper ‘print’ without the aid of a magnifying glass which was extremely tedious and very unsatisfactory. In due course of time I became convinced that the failure of my sight was permanent and J was forced to lay aside all ambitions of a scientific nature—it being impossible for me to attempt anything of a ‘technical’ sort.” Mr. Gurley is a charter member of the Geological Society of Amer- ica and a fellow of a number of scientific societies at home and abroad. At present he is curator of paleontology in the University of Chicago. The bulletins referred to in his letter are Bulletins 3-12 of the Museum of Natural History. They deal with the same line of work that claimed the chief attention of Norwood and Worthen and show that in spite of the demand for “purely practical’? work made. by the Legislature, work chiefly of scientific nature was produced. For list of bulletins see below.* Mr. Gurley published no Museum reports. During his incumbency, much against his wishes, the museum made its customary move, this time from the first to the third floor of the State House. It may have been from the point of view of the protection of the specimens wise and desirable to donate to the University of Illinois the materials brought. together by Curator Lindahl for the World’s Fair. But from the point of view of the museum it was detrimental. The transfer from the first to the third floor was a step backward, as * Bulletins of Illinois State Museum of Natural History, by S. A. Miller and Wm. F. E. igo Bulletin No. 3. New species of Invertebrates from the Palaeozoic. 1894. Bulletin No. 4+. New species of Upper Devonian and Niagara Crinoids. 1894. Bulletin No. 5. New Species of Echinodermata. 1895. Bulletin No. 6. New species of Palaeozoic Echinodermata. 1895. Bulletin No. 7. New Species of Palaeozoic Fossils. 1896. Bulletin No. 8. New Species Fossils from the Palaeozoic. 1896. Bulletin No. 9. New Species of Crinoids. 1896. Bulletin No. 10. New Species of Echinodermata and New Crustacean. 1896. Bulletin No. 11. New Species of Palaeozoic Invertebrates. 1897. Bulletin No. 12. New Species of Crinoids, Cephalopods and other Palaéo- zoic Fossils. WM. F. E. GURLEY. 7 the new quarters were more contracted and were partly used as com- mittee rooms by the Legislature. The next curator was Mr. C, H. Crantz, who was appointed in 1897 owing to a change in State politics. He is a native of Sweden and at the time of his appointment was in business in Chicago. In 1903 he published a report of. the museum. The move which came in his incumbency saw the transfer of the collections from the State House to the arsenal. A few more square feet of space were gained, but at the expense of dignity and beauty in the surroundings. The curator was able to bring all the zodlogical specimens under glass. But the only arrangement possible is that’ allowed where every square inch of space must be utilized. Of his term Mr. Crantz writes: “When I began my term as curator the Museum was located on the third floor of the State Capitol, in one large and two small rooms, poorly lighted and very cramped for space. These rooms, as well as the office room had all been used by the Legislature as caucus and committee rooms, and during the sessions I had to give up my office, desk room excepted, and one of the small rooms. The collection had shortly before been moved upstairs from large and well lighted rooms on the first floor, much against the wishes of the then curator, Mr. Gurley. The result of the smaller space allotted caused a terrible crowding of the exhibits, on which it was almost impossible to improve, and absolutely pre- vented any expanding. The duties of the curator up to the recent establishment of the new Geo- logical Survey included those of the former State Geologist, in so far as possible to perform them, without any appropriation for maintenance of field work. The correspondence of the office was principally on questions relating to the geology of the State and the occurrence of coal, oil, natural gas and clays—the attending to which took considerable time. ‘ The, care and arranging of the exhibits kept myself and assistant busy. The collections of birds and mammals, and of insects needed constant looking after to prevent damages. A number of old, poorly mounted specimens were weeded out and replaced by new and properly mounted ones. Many species new to the collections were acquired and placed on exhibit. A collection of birds eggs and nests was started with a small nucleus of old specimens, and has grown to a very good one and representative of most Illinois species—including several rare ones. The fossils and minerals were repeated]y gone over and cleaned. New labels have been written for every specimen on exhibit—a no mean task in itself. As said above, our quarters in the Capitol were so crowded that when the new Arsenal was erected and it was decided to move the museum there, we flattered ourselves that we would now get much better space, but were disappointed in this, and only a few hundred square feet of additional floor space was available for the museum—with no space for a workroom. Under many difficulties the removal was made, taking fully six months to complete the packing of the exhibits, taking down and rebuilding and altering the cases, and arranging the exhibits. ? The small space prevented much improvement in the arrangements, but the room is better lighted and the exhibits more accessible than formerly—al- though to do full justice to the needs of the museum at least double the space should be allowed. In my efforts to maintain and improve on the usefulness of the museum T always had the most hearty good will and coéperation of the Board of Trus- tees and office staff.” : —2NH 18 In 1905 a new geological survey was organized under excellent pro- visions and leadership. Already it has produced valuable results. The only formal relation between it and the museum is the clause* which reads as follows: “All materials collected, after having served the purposes of the bureau, shall be distributed by the director to the educational institutions of the State in such manner as the commissioners may determine to be of the greatest advantage to the educational interests of the State, or, if deemed advisable the whole or part of such material may be placed on permanent exhibition in the State Museum of Natural History at Springfield, or in the museums of the University of Illinois. * * * “The whole or part of such material may be placed on permanent exhibition in the: State Museum of Natural History at Springfield * * * .” The present curator was appointed Sept. 15, 1906. Miss Fanny Fisher, who has been connected with the museum since 4881, with the exception of three years (1893-1896), has been ac- quainted with all the curators except Dr. Norwood. Concerning them and their work she writes: “My first acquaintance with Prof. A. H. Worthen, that able scientist and ‘grand old man, began upon my entering the Museum as assistant. Briefly, I will touch upon his personal characteristics. He was a man of the strictest integrity, one who had risen through dauntless energy, conquering by his in- dominitabie will and personal exertions all those difficulties, so numerous in the early pioneer days. His one great precept towards mankind was to ‘do unto others as you would have others do unto you.’ And this precept he fol- lowed strictly, as far as my own observations went. -"As a scientist he had won for himself an enviable reputation as a geo- logist and palaeontologist. The State of Illinois has a collection in its Museum which will stand for generations a dumb proof of his zeal and interest in his work. The disinterested or thoughtless would scarcely appreciate the many years of labor, the difficulties conquered and left far behind, this collection stands for. 7 Of his eight volumes of the Geological Survey of Illinois, the last one, Volume VIII, was ready for the printer when his death occurred. It was printed under the direction of his successor, Dr. Josua Lindahl. Dr. Lindahl was and is a man of many scientific attainments and a linguist of considerable ability. He had many ambitions for the Museum and the work connected with his office haere which he was unable to carry out because of lack of funds, and also lack of scientific interest from those in power. However Dr. Lindahl prepared from the Museum collections a magnificent display for the World’s Columbian Exposition at Chicago. At this exposition this display won a medal and a diploma. Meantime the State administration became Democratic, and Dr. Lindahl was removed from office in June of that year and Wm. F. E. Gurley was appointed in his place. I, too, lost my position early in the fall of that same year, and hence know nothing concern- ing the Museum during the ensuing three years in which the Democrats were in power. At the end of this time, the Republicans again won a victory at the polls, and just after the inauguration of John R. Tanner, I was re-appointed to my old position as assistant curator of this museum. Dr. C. H. Crantz was appointed curator. From this time no scientific work was done here. The same old story of lack of funds necessitated giving up all efforts towards progress scientifically. In lieu of this, the policy of the Museum has been purely a practical one. Keeping everything in good order,+ the specimens clean and plainly labeled and attending to a numerous cor- respondence such as a department of this kind would have, required consid- erable time to accomplish. From a practical standpoint Mr. Crantz has made an ideal curator, and attended strictly to his duties at all times. I would add * Laws of Illinois, 1905, p. 31, section 8. + B. EF. Sheplor has been helper and janitor since 1901—En, C. H. CRANTZ. 19 that he is a remarkable linguist and, at various times proved of great service to many of the State officers in translating numerous foreign communications of importance. Practically, the Museum has been of almost inestimable value to thousands of school children, (who have come here to study, accompanied by their teachers), as well as to many thousand visitors, many of them excursionists from distant points in the State, all of whom made this place their Mecca. And therefore, practically, it has served a great purpose. Scientifically, it could become a great institution, for the material is here, and the will to broaden, but alas! the financial wherewith is absolutely wanting. For, build castles as one may, the most important factor in the march of progress, (when progress means scientific research)—is plain, every-day money. With- out money, one’s castles must fall and stifled ambitions must, perforce, lie buried for a time.” CONCLUSION. In reviewing the history of the museum a number of facts come prominently to view. First, men of scientific’ instincts and activity have had the work of the museum in charge. They have added to scientific knowledge generally and have built up the museum in particular. Second, as a result of their abundant labors much valuable material has been brought together. Third, the museum does not begin to contain the collections that it should contain. It has suffered by fire. It has been moved nine times without having reached a location in any degree suitable, either as far ‘as space, light, dignity or beauty are concerned. Money that should have been spent for materials has been used in moving. ' Two of the curators, Worthen and Gurley, were ardent collectors before coming to their office and during their incumbency continued collecting for themselves. At the time of their leaving the curatorship they were criticized because of the size and value of their private col- lections. It was urged that their energies as collectors should have been turned wholly toward building up the State Museum, and that if such had been the case the museum would have been much richer. On the other hand, it was said that the: State was an unjust employer, failing for two years to pay one curator, and turning off the other without just cause, and that the State neither properly prized nor cared for the valuable materials which were brought together as the result of pains- taking and arduous labor. However, by some arrangement those materials should have heen saved for the State, and the most appropriate place for them is the State Museum. There should he a law. whether written or unwritten, that no curator should collect for himself. It might work hardship for the curator, but it would be for the proper advantage of the institution which he served. The museum has had a long and eventful history. It has filled a place of usefulness, but the opportunity which lies before it is far greater than that which is past. To use the opportunity and meet the obligations which are upon it will require the interest and help of all those who are in any degree responsible for its conduct. 20 To advance in utility and perfection it needs the hearty sympathy and support of the legislative committees which provide its finances. It needs the codperation and careful thought of its trustees. When these are granted, the museum staff, by skilful and diligent applica- tion, may be able to produce a museum ever more nearly approximating an institution which should fittingly represent the great and prosperous State of Illinois. The museum should preserve the vanishing types of animals and plants of the State. It should represent the history of the State as far as Nature is concerned. It should be a place of entertainment of the highest class. Throughout the United States the value of museums as places of entertainment and education is being more appreciated. It is coming to be realized that museums supplement schools and libraries. They often appeal first to people who are not influenced by other sources. They are places of amusement of the highest type, and the public de- serve amusement. They are a means of education, inasmuch as they show the world in which we live as it is, and have a sane and whole some influence on the public. . The museum field is a great and valuable field. As the State pre- serves her natural history treasures for the schools, she can at the same time afford every one, learned and humble, rich and poor, such a view of their environment as will enrich their intellectual equipment. That the number of friends of the museum among legislators and executives may increase is a consummation devoutly to be wished. 21 4 A Page Age of Museum.... ........ eee 7 | Marey, Oliver ...............cc eee American Association of Museums ...... 5 | Masonic Hall............. PAPPONGERE so o.5i.'s. as Lissrgfeuinien-wararcptics seeiecete 23 | Mediterranean.... Arsenal, old 9 Miller, S.A....... Arsenal, new 17 Monmouth ae Augustana College 10 Museum moved,...... Beginnings of Museum Bissell, Governor Blair, F. G Bliss, IN Wee visctenaasstoiararcraten: an Bradford, Vermont ........ Brehm’s Thierleben........ Bulletins * AORDIDOL siicsso.s:clesvers. diteaeinsioasindbare tarts Hace Catalogs . Centennial . Cincinnati, O. ceo - H DB Da villey LD spe sie cissars secon ciase ataneraveewuen Deneen), Cri varsujens-caan