1961-1962 - American Museum of Natural History

The meeting of the International Mineralogical Association
in this country in April, 1962, brought more than 100 mineralogists
from other nations as visitors to the Museum. They were
naturally interested in the collections of minerals, gems, rocks,
and meteorites, and also in the general operations of the department
and of the entire Museum. Many fruitful discussions resulted,
and the contacts will undoubtedly be of mutual benefit.
The department received many requests for material and information.
Its collections are widely known for their value in
research and as study material, and requests for samples are
filled whenever possible. The great expansion in space research
has resulted in a large increase in requests for meteorite material.
During the past year such material was supplied to a
large number of scientists both in this country and abroad.
Dr. Mason returned from his five-months' visit to Japan in
August, 1961. He visited several Japanese universities, as well
as mines and mineral deposits in the central and northern sections
of the country. Most of his time was spent at the University
of Tokyo, where he lectured in geochemistry, and on the chemis.
try, mineralogy, and structure of meteorites. The latter lectures
are scheduled for publication.
DEPARTMENT OF ORNITHOLOGY
Dean Amadon, Chairman
Micromacronus leytensis, a new genus and species of bird
from Leyte Island in the Philippines, was acquired and described
by Dr. Amadon, with the cooperation of the Philippine
National Museum. It is probably the most distinctive new genus
of living bird to be discovered in the last ten or fifteen years.
Also, about half a dozen species heretofore missing from the
collection of the Museum have been added in recent months.
A total of about 6000 specimens of birds has been acquired.
Some of these were in collections containing many rarities
from Mexico, Argentina, the Philippines, and elsewhere.
Grants from the Frank M. Chapman Memorial Fund enabled
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