Museum of Practical Geology. A hand-book guide for visitors (1851 edition)
The Museum of Practical Geology. A hand-book guide for visitors (1851 edition)
The Piccadilly Facaee.
London: H. G. Clarke and Co., 252, Strand. Price Six-Pence
2026 note
View the Museum of Practical Geology - a descriptive guide (1867 edition)
Introduction
Amidst the various scientific institutions with which the metropolis abounds, it had long been a matter of surprise and regret that not one existed for the development of one of the most important of our country's sources of wealth. We allude to its mineral productions; and when it is mentioned, that the annual amount of these extends to twenty-four millions sterling alone, independently of the vast sum involved in their working and secondary relation, it may be inferred that they are neither inconsiderable nor unimportant. In point of extent, in fact, they are inferior to agriculture and the cotton trade alone, and still more than either may they be considered as indigenous to this island. Commercial vicissitudes or national changes may deprive us of the supremacy we at present enjoy in Cotton-spinning and many similar branches of trade; fields more fertile than those of England may arise on the banks of the Mississippi and vast plains of the west, for affording aliment to man; California and our Australian colonies may outstrip us in the golden race, or at least in furnishing the materials; but nothing short of a convulsion of Nature itself, and scarcely even that, can ever deprive us of the superiority we enjoy, and must continue to enjoy, so long as we retain our coal, iron, and copper trades, and other sources of mineral wealth.
With the view of developing and still further increasing these, was this institution founded. It was originally established in 1835, on the recommendation of the distinguished geologist, Sir Henry de la Becbe, and at first had its seat in Craig's Court, Charing Cross; but gradually the premises there became too limited for the collection of treasures which were successively amassed, and at last in 1848, the present elegant structure was erected from the design of Mr. James Pennethorne. Seen from the front in Piccadilly it has a bold palatial and semi-Italian appearance; but it is from the opposite extremity in Jermyn Street that entrance is obtained, and it is freely open to the public during the three first days of the week, (Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays), the remaining three being devoted to the benefit of the students attending the various lectures on chemistry, mining, mineralogy, and other collateral sciences, which are practically taught at the Institution. The building embraces within its plan, the departments of the Museum, the Mining Record Office and Model Room, the Laboratory, the Library, and the Theatre, or Lecture Room.
On entering the visitor has only to inscribe his name and address-in a book, and proceed at once to inspect the Museum. Ile will at first by no means be struck by the appearance of the edifice; has indeed a somewhat cold and gloomy aspect, but this is perhaps necessarily entailed by the peculiarity of the building, which is so arranged as to exhibit the geological structure of the Earth in its successive changes, and may also be considered as appropriate to a scientific institution. Before quitting however, and especially after ascending to the upper portion. he will be fully impressed with its elegance, and may spend many hours, if not days, agreably, in examining the various instructive treasures it contains—of which it is the object of this small work to afford an outline.
The Museum of Practical Geology
The Museum, which we shall now proceed to describe, comprises three divisions—that illustrative of stones, marbles and other materials applicable to the purposes of architecture and sculpture; that illustrative of the metallic ores, and other mineral substances. which form the raw material of various useful and ornamental manufactures; and lastly, the collection of the rocks from which those minerals are derived, and of the organic remains, arranged stratigraphically, which characterize the different parts of the fossiliferous series.
The Lower Hall
The building materials are arranged in the lower hall, which, with the library, the lecture-room, and the directors' private room, occupies the ground floor of the edifice.
On entering the Hall, the visitor will naturally pause for a few moments to examine the elegant Mosaic which arrests attention in the centre of the room, and the vast semicircular dome which meets his gaze from the apartment above; when he cannot fail to be struck with the beautiful pilasters of polished granite, and marble, of the red serpentine of the Lizard and the green serpentine of Connemara, which adorn the walls on either side.
The Mosaic Pavement
The centre of the floor is ornamented with encaustic tiles, and, with mosaic composed of tesseræ, of various forms and colours, manufactured by Prosser's patent process, in which clay in the state of dry powder, is subjected to pressure, and subsequent vitrification, the whole being surrounded, by highly polished slabs of red and dark granite.
In the centre, is placed a gigantic Vase, of polished Peterhead granite, of elegant form.
Ranged round the hall, are a number of short columns of beautiful polished marble, of various colours, from Devonshire, Derbyshire. and Ireland, on which are placed several small, yet elegant vases. They are inscribed with the names of the localities from which they were obtained, and are destined eventually, to receive busts of some of the most Eminent British Geologists.
Eminent British Geologists
The following are the busts which have already been placed upon their appropriate pedestals.
I. Dr. William Smith, the acknowledged father of the English school of Geology; by Noble.
II. Professor John Playfair, the celebrated Edinburgh Metaphysician; by Noble, after Sir F. Chantrey, .R.A. A face marked by thought, penetration and care.
III. Sir John Hall, Bart., an eminent philosopher of his day; by P. Park
IV. James Hutton, M.D., a name familiar in scientific annals; by P. Park.
On the east side
I. Cast of an elegant antique Vase, found near Naples, presented by Sir Woodbine Parish.
II. Large block of very rich Lead ore.
III. Large and splendid Alabaster Vase; sculptured by Messrs, J. & T. Hall, of Derby, of massive fibrous gypsum, from Fauld Staffordshire. This highly ornamental material was formerly much used for monumental purposes, under the name of alabaster. From its softness it is more easily wrought than marble, but is not susceptible of so good a polish. It abounds in the trias (New Red Marl) of Derbyshire, Cheshire, and Glamorganshire, and yields the chief British supply of plaster of Paris.
IV. The Dying Gladiator, a cast in Parian cement, an illustration of the use of gypsum, or sulphate of lime, in the decorative arts. It is formed of Keene's marble cement, in which gypsum and borax are the ingredients, and which is susceptible of a polish like that of marble.
V. Gigantic Head of Bacchus. of Dolomite, (magnesian limestone) from North Anston, in Yorkshire. This stone has been employed for the exterior of the New Houses of Parliament, and for the Museum of Practical Geology. Its aptitude for the purposes of external ornamental architecture is proved by the sculpture which adorns both buildings, particularly the former.
VI. Fossil Wood, from the Dirt bed, Portland, presented by T. Foot. Esq.
VII. Magnificent fossil wood, two feet and a half in diameter, from Sydney, Cape Breton, in North America, presented by the chivalrous Earl of Dundonald; this fossil cannot fail to give rise to various and profound speculations concerning the vast changes the earth must have undergone, since the remains of this monarch of the forest was originally a fragile twig, then a colossal tree, and ultimately here a ruin converted into stone.
VIII. Fine specimen of Asphaltum, (bitumen) from the great lake of Trinidad, also the gift of his lordship.
IX. Pieces of Black Marble, and Derbyshire Alabaster, arranged in a columnar form, exemplifying the different stages through which these natural products pass, from the first step of the process, till that by which they eventually receive their final polish; as practised at Messrs. J. & T. Hall's, Marble Works, Derby.
X. Case containing specimens of gypsum, (sulphate of lime) a mineral which is found in a compact and crystallised state, as alabaster and selenite, or in the form of a soft chalky stone which in a very moderate heat gives out its water of crystallisation, and becomes a very fine white powder, extensively used under the name of plaster of Paris. Gypsum is found in three geological positions in the crust of the earth; among transition rocks; in the red marl formation; and above the chalk in tertiary beds.
On one side of this case will be seen, a fine collection of selenite, or sparry gypsum, (crystallised hydrous sulphate of lime), found in the Oxford clay, the Lias clay, and more or less in all clays, in which the sulphuric acid derived from the decomposition of sulphuret of iron has come in contact with the carbonate of lime, of shells, or with other calcareous matter. The crystals are however generally small, and not in sufficient abundance to be applied to economic purposes. Here may be noticed some large and beautiful crystals, from Duke Ernest's mine near the Castle of Rheinardsbrum, where they are in sufficient quantity to be applied to economic uses. The beauty of the fibrous variety of hydrous gypsum, and its fitness for small ornaments, is shown by specimens from Nottingham, both wrought and unwrought. A cut and polished specimen of the anhydrous, or waterless gypsum, from Derbyshire is very beautiful. Specimens of the massive varety of hydrous gypsum, (white veined with red) from Staffordshire and Derbyshire, may likewise be noticed.
In this case will also be found several exemplifications of the applicability of plaster of Paris, to the copying of cameos, medallions &c.; as also specimens of the mode in which it may by various processes be rendered durable, or converted into a species of artificial marble—as in Keene's marble cement, a compound of gypsum and alum—the Parian cement, composed of gypsum and borax, and Cheverton's patent gypsum, prepared by beating gypsum, so as to deprive it of water, tinting it with different colours, and then saturating it with water. Several remarkably beautiful specimens of casting and moulding, may also be noticed, by means of which artificial marble is made to imitate the choicest productions of the sculptor's chisel. Among other specimens of casting in plaster of Paris, is a copy of the foot of the celebrated Venus de Medicis. In the original it is known to be transcendantly beautiful; but here, in consequence perhaps of being cut and detached, it has a somewhat clumsy look.
XI. Beautiful specimen of inlaid Derbyshire and Staffordshire marbles, from the Marble Works of Messrs Milnes', at Ashford, near Bakewell, Derbyshire. The Derbyshire workmen, have long been famous for their skill in adapting their fine marbles, and varieties of spars and stalactites, to the forms of the artist and the modeller, while for their skill in inlay sod mosaic they are equally celebrated.
XII. Statue of Minerva, in dolomite, (magnesian limestone) from Huddleston. Sculptured after the antique, by C. H. Smith. It is of colossal proportions, and hence has an aspect rather heavy.
Ornamental British Marbles
On the east wall, is a very elaborate screen, formed of specimens of Ornamental British Marbles.
The pilasters and cornice, are of the Cornish serpentine, one of the most beautiful of the British varieties; the panels are of the Irish serpentine, framed with the elegant productions of Derbyshire, which are themselves very fine specimens of inlaying. These marbles are admirably calculated for the decorative uses of the builder from their extreme hardness which enables them even in a highly polished state to withstand for a long period, the deteriorating atmospheric influence of our variable climate.
On the west side
I. Small statue in Coade's terra cotta.
II. Part of a Vein of Gold bearing Quartz, from Grass Valley, Nevada County, California; presented by Mr. F. Catherwood.
III. The Farnese Hercules, in Oolite, (Portland stone) the material employed in the construction of St. Paul's Cathedral, and many other of our public buildings. Sculptured after a cast from the antique, by C. H. Smith.
IV. Bust of Bubastis, a copy in greenstone, from a statue in the British Museum. Many of the Egyptian statues are of greenstone, and excite admiration not more at the progress the art of sculpture had made among that people at an early period, than at the sagacity in the choice of durable materials of which they furnish evidence. The copy is of coarse-grained greenstone from near Fishguard, in Pembrokeshire, of the same composition and general appearance as the original.
V. Inlaid pavement, in Keene's Marble cement, copied from a mosaic discovered at Scamton, near Lincoln, 1795.
VI. Fine polished slab of Stalagmitic Arragonite, (carbonate of lime) from Egypt, presented by H.R.H. Prince Albert.
VII. Splendid specimen of Crystals of Quartz, coating Crystals of Galena, (sulplatret of lead) and Fluor-spar, from Weardale, Durham. Presented by W. B. Beaumont, Esq.
VIII. Case containing specimens of the beautiful white Bricks of Suffolk, in their different stages of preparation, and of the clay of which they, as well as the red bricks manufactured at the same works are made. In this case may also be noticed, specimens of the clays employed in the manufacture of alum, tobacco pipes, fine earthenware, and stone ware. A collection of the various earths and clays used in the manfacture of bricks and tiles, and of the manufactured produce of each, though not a showy, would form an useful addition to the Museum.
IX. Beautiful table of black marble from Derbyshire, inlaid with coloured marbles of the same county. This fine specimen proves no less than the pilasters, and slabs, and columns, already noticed, the resources which Britain possesses in stones adapted to ornamental purposes. Among the marbles especially adapted to inlaid work, and from the small size of the pieces in which it can only be obtained, adapted to that kind of work alone, a red marble from the Duke of Devonshire's estates, of equal if not superior beauty to the celebrated rossa antica, shines conspicuously.
X. Specimen of Minton's encaustic tiles, a revival of an ancient, and middle age work, which almost rivals the perfection of form and colour of the originals, and afford us the means of an agreeable change from the ugly pavements of some, and those not the least notable of our public edifices.
XI. The Belvidere Apollo, a cast in plaster of Paris, or gypsum deprived by calcitration of the water combined with it, and used in the ordinary way.
XII. Tesselated pavement, manufactured by Wyatt Parker & Co.
Building stones
On either side of the entrance, will be found the cabinets which contain the specimens of building stones, collected by the commission appointed to select the stone best adapted to the construction of the New Houses of Parliament. The specimens are cubes of six inches, spewing the appearance of the stone when dressed. Attached to each specimen, is not only the name of the locality from which it was obtained, but of the edifices, ancient and modern, which have been built with it. They are arranged in three cases on each side,'which contain, respectively:—
I. Limestones from the oolitic, carboniferous, and permian (magnesian limestone) series. Here may be noticed specimens of the magnesian limestone from Bolsover Moor and its neighbourhood, the stone recommended by the Commissioners, as the one most suitable to be employed in the construction of the New Houses of Parliament, Of its durability they had practical proof, in the sharp and clear mouldings, and even chisel marks of some of the external parts of Southwell Church, built with it in the tenth and twelfth centuries. Here too will be found the Black stone, used in the construction of the new Docks, and also specimens of marble in various colours from the Twelve Pin mountains in Ireland. Some beautiful pieces of spar may also be seen from our lovely scenery of Clifton.
II. Sandstones from the coal measures, and of the old and of the new red sandstone. In sandstone, we may be said to possess one of the mast valuable materials for manifold uses. It is particularly adapted for building, being very workable. Sandstone of finer grain and uniform colony throughout offers an excellent material for sculpture, and has been employed particularly in the rich and magnificent ornaments of our ancient cathedrals. The hardest kinds are used for millstones, grinding stones, etc.; a collection of which may be seen in one of the cases.
III Granites and porphyries. Amongst numerous other specimens may be noticed, Granite from the Hebrides, used in the construction of the Skerryvore lighthouse, of the island of Tyroe.
This collection of the more thimble crystalline rocks, must prove of great value to the arts of architecture and sculpture, in imparting that durability to our public buildings in which some of the finest of them are so lamentably deficient.
Staircase
Having now noticed the various objects of interest in the lower part of the building, we shall next proceed to describe the upper floor, or principal apartment of the edifice. which is approached by a spacious and convenient Staircase, the lower portion being of an unuadored character in harmony with that part of the building; but the upper portion will be found light, elegant, and airy, in unison with the far more striking saloon which there meets the view.
The Upper Hall
The Upper Hall, though peculiar, is an exceedingly imposing apartment, somewhat of the form of an elongated horse-shoe, but flattened at the sides. It is ninety-five feet long, fifty-five wide, and of proportionate elevation, being thirty-two feet to the springing of the roof, and forty-two feet six inches in the centre. The roof is of iron, glazed with rough plate glass, and the arrangements for the admission of light, is exceedingly good.
On the upper portion of the staircase, are placed some interesting specimens of British industrial art, including vases, candelabras, and statues, beautifully formed of the finest cast iron, and at the top may by noticed
I. Diana attiring, a cast from the antique.
II Venus, a cast from the antique.
Three stately columns, flanked by two more beyond, arise on each side of the staircase, and in front of all is seen a Colossal head of Ocean. beautifully electrotyped by Dr. Baun.
On the floor beneath, is laid the gigantic tusk of a fossil elephant.
On attaining this position it will be found that the hall consists of three divisions; two spacious galleries branching out, one above the other, by means of which the apartment is made to embrace the collections illustrating the three great geological divisions of the Primary, Silurian, and Tertiary, structure of the earth.
At the extremity of the apartment, and beneath the semicircular end of the hall, is a lecture room capable of containing several hundred people, but this is of course closed to the general public, though instruction in mining, mineralogy, and the various branches of chemistry, connected with these arts and sciences, is here to be obtained at a comparatively economic price, with all the advantages of practical illustration and actual specimens of the highest order, which it is possible for the institution, supported by all the resources of government, to procure.
Pursuing the plan we adopted in describing the Lower Hall, we shall first direct attention to the most prominent objects in the centre of the room, and which from their beauty and position are certain to be the first to attract the eye of the visitor. We shall next notice the cabinets containing the collection of porcelain and glass, situated on either side of the staircase, at the south end of the Hall, and from thence proceed to inspect the mineral collection arranged in the wall cases round the sides of the principal apartment, and then to the room at the north end, in which is deposited the models of mining machinery and implements; after which we shall ascend to the side galleries, and inspect the collection of British fossils.
On the East Side
I. Case, containing a series of works illustrative of the various processes of casting and chasing of metals—iron, copper, silver, tin zinc, and different alloys. Notice, a fine statuette of Alexander von Humboldt, in zinc, subsequently coated with brass, by electrochemical means; bronze statuettes of Raphael and Michael Angelo, otter Flaxman; and some elegant French productions.
II Case, containing a series of illustrations of the intermixture of iron and steel. In this case may be noticed, the various stages of the process of manufacture of the gun-barrel, from the bundle of horseshoe nails, and clippings of coach-springs to its finished state, composed of five twist ribbon; also some fine specimens of cast iron.
III. Case, containing a numerous collection of weapons of every kind, from the noted Andrea Ferrara to the modern razor, comprising specimens of the Persian scimitar, the Malay creese, the Toledo rapier, the celebrated Damascus blade, and almost every other instrument devoted to the destruction of man. Here may be traced the manufacture of the British cavalry regulation sword, through its seven stages, from the bar of steel to the ground and polished weapon, ready to do the work of death.
IV. Frame, containing specimens of rolled cast steel.
V. Case, containing specimens illustrative of Lead mining in the North of England; including examples of the various stages of progress of lead ore from the mine to the market; from the mines of W. B. Beaumont, Esq.
VI. Beautiful model of the tomb, in Westminster Abbey, of William de Valence, Earl of Pembroke, and half-brother of Henry III., who died 1304, illustrating the costly tombs of that period. The figure in the model is of copper zinc and tin, gilt by the electrotype. The base is of Caen stone.
VII Interesting example of the art of embossing and chasing on silver, by Mr. Willim Beattie. It illustrates the various stages of the art, from the first rude sketch to the finished work—a representation of Sir William Allan's celebrated picture of the stern John Knox, admonishing Mary the unhappy Queen of Scots.
VIII. Case, containing specimens of crude and refined Sulphur, crystals of sulphur with models and the minerals from which sulphur is obtained.
IX. Fine specimen of sulphate of copper.
X. Fine specimens of Silicified wood, from Antigua.
XI. Case, containing specimens of iron wire, blistered, spring, double shear and cast steel; various tools and cutlery; and of a carriage spring; manufactured from Solly's English iron, from the Lea Brook iron and steel works, Tipton, Staffordshire.
XII. Case containing specimens of Ultramarine.
XIII. Model of Mount Vesuvius, by M. Dufrenoy.
XIV. Model of Mount Etna, by M. L. Elie de Beaumont.
XV. Case, containing specimens of Ultramarine, from Meissen.
XVI. Case, containing some splendid specimens of Lead crystallised to shew the form of the crystals.
XVII Model of a double lever jigger.
XVIII Model of Ebbw vale and Sirhowy, by T. Sopwith, Esq.
XIX Model of the Dean Forest coal district, by T. Sopwith.
XX Large model of the Devon Great Consolidated Copper Mines, Tavistock. Nathaniel Smith, Engineer.
On the west side
I. Case, containing a series of illustrations of Casting by the Chinese, in the mixed metals, principally tin, zinc, and copper. Notice a, Chinese hand-mirror.
II. Case, containing numerous illustrations of the deposition of metals in solution by means of a galvanic current. Notice, specimens of the application of electro-metallurgy to the preservation of forms of plants; and electrotypes from elastic moulds.
III. Case containing an interesting collection of photographic specimens, including examples of the Calotype, Collodion, Cyano-type, Chrysotype, and other processes.
IV. Model of Arthur's seat, and the King's Park, at Edinburgh, showing their geological formation by J Robison Wright, F.G.S.
V. Fine specimen of Iceland spar, (carbonate of lime) spewing double refraction; presented by His Grace the Duke of Devonshire.
VI. Dish, elegantly inlaid with flowers.
VII. Fine specimen of Rock Crystal, sliming its application by the Optician to the manufacture of spectacle lenses. Its extreme hardness renders them more durable than glass, and less liable to be scratched, while they are altogether cooler and more agreable.
VIII Sparkling Rock Crystal, attached to a piece of Carrara marble presented by Walter Hawkins, Esq., F.S.A.
IX. Elegant inlaid bowl. A beautiful specimen of Derbyshire workmanship.
X. Model of an improved Hotching Machine, by Mr. Joseph Hetherington. Presented by W. B. Beaumont, Esq., M.P.
XI. Model of a Mineral-washing case, for fine ores, invented by John Hunt. It is applicable for cleansing gold, silver, tin, copper, lead, and all kinds of mineral, the specific gravity of which is greater than the foreign matter with which it is mixed.
XII. Model of a double-action water wheel.
XIII. Small Model.
XIV. Small Model.
XV. Case, containing specimens of coal, purified on Berhard's system.
XVI. Model of an apparatus for the NlanufaAure of Stannate of Soda.
XVII. Specimen of refined Saltpetre, (nitrate of potash) and rough Bengal saltpetre.
XVIII. Natural stalactites of Nitrate of Soda. (cubic nitre) used as a source of Nitric acid and for manure.
XIX Case of chemical crystals
XX. Large model of The Steel Manufactory of Messrs, Naylor, Vickers, and Co, of Sheffield.
XXI. Geological model of the Coal districts of South Wales.
XXII. Model of a Newcastle coal mine, illustrating Mr. Buddle's system of double, or compound ventilation of a Colliery, by Mr. W. Oliver, Wallsend.
XXIII Model showing the different methods of working and ventilating coal mines, constructed and presented by Mr. C. L. Wood, Hetton Colliery, Durham.
XXIV. Working Model of a Newcastle Coal mine.
XXV. Model of the general Geological Phenomena in the mining districts of Cornwall, by Mr. J. B. Jordan, Falmouth, under the direction of Sir H. J. De la Beebe, F.G.S.
XXVI. Geological model of the Lead districts of Nentsberry, in the manner of Alton, Cumberland. by T. Sopwith, Esq.. F.G.S.
XXVII Interesting Model of the great Landslip, or Founder which occurred on the south-coast of Devon, December 1839; by W. Dawson, Esq., C.E.
XXVIII. Geological Model of the Isle of Arran.
XXIX. Case containing specimens of Silicious gems, including lapis lazuli from which ultramarine was originally prepared; Jasper, Amethyst, Chalcedony, and the Cairngorm.
XXX. Galatea. a statue in terra-cotta, from the Great Exhibition
Porcelain
The collection of porcelain and glass, is arranged on either side of the staircase, at the south end of the grand hall.
The Wall Cases.—West Side
In the wall cases will be found a collection of Worcester porcelain exhibiting specimens illustrating the history of the Staffordshire potteries from the beginning of the sixteenth century, till they attained their culminating point through the skill and taste of Wedgwood. This series formed part of the collection of the late Enoch Wood, the friend and contemporary of Wedgwood, It exhibits the manufacture in its rude and stationery condition from 1500 to 1600, the brown ware of the seventeenth century, the tortoise-shell ware from 1710 to 1730, the first white ware made by the use of calcined flints, the Queen's ware of Wedgwood between 1740 and 1760; and finally, his stone ware as it advanced to perfection between 1760 and 1795.
This collection exhibits specimens of the more costly and ornamental works of Wedgwood's manufacture,—his imitation of the Etruscan vases, of the basaltes of Egypt, a black earthenware, so called from its resemblance tothe stone of that name, and his unique jasper or onyx, a white porcellaneous biscuit, of great delicacy and beauty.
The Upright Cases
I: Roman Pottery found in England.
II. British porcelain of the eighteenth century, including specimens of the first employment of Cornish porcelain, or China clay in Plymouth ware, 1768. Notice, Egg-shell China, imitating of the Oriental.
III. Modern British porcelain and pottery. Notice, a fine bust of Juno, in statuary porcelain.
The Wall Cases.—East Side
In the wall cases are arranged an historical collection of the Chelsea porcelain, from 1720 to 1780; of Derby, 1750 to 1811; Worcester, 1751, Swansea, and Naut Garer, 1813; although the manufactory of the latter place was only in operation two years, its produce during that short period is as much valued for its beauty as its rarity.
The Upright Cases
I. Specimens of Ancient Glass, including Assyrian, Babylonian, Chaldean. Notice, a small glass spoon. the primitive simplicity of its configuration, contrasting strikingly with the elegance of the surrounding objects. It is curious to speculate how many generation: of men have arisen, existed, and passed away, since this simple production was fabricated, or was first used by man.
II. Specimens of Venetian Glass. Notice, glass plates from Strawberry Hill.
III. Elegant specimens of Modern Glass, plain and coloured.
The Mineral Collection
The Mineral Collection which we shall now proceed to describe, is mort extensive, and contains numerous specimen of every variety of ore which is of use in the arts or manufactures. In this important department the following admirable method will be found to have been adopted. All the minerals in the first place arranged in systematic order, the locality in which each specimen is found is given Masses of the lode, and portions of the rock, of sufficient size to show the mode of occurrence in nature, accompanying the selected specimens. The mode of dressing the ores for the market is then shewn.
British Fossils
Around the Upper Hall runs two light galleries where will be found arranged the collection of British fossils which are placed in upright wall cases, the smaller specimens being exhibited in horizontal glass cases, placed upon the balustrades of the galleries.
In these cases will be found specimens of the earliest forms of organisation which have yet been discovered in this country. and he series is continued in regular order up to the most recent fossils of the tertiary formation.