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72 dlETHODS OF SOClAL REFORM
tho ostaLlishmant of institutions, all such branches of nnthropological
scionce can only bc ostablislled by the comparison of
chuius of instnuces. A century ago otytnolagy mas a reproach
to loaruing, Iciug founded on mere guess-work as to tlm
rcsornblanco of words ; 110~ thc etymology of a mod is
cstublished by adducing the scrics of approximate duplicates
which show, begord the reach of doubt, how the world has
como to bo what it iu. We can smear to its identity because
wo havo followed it, so to say.
‘PO distributo tho supposed duplicates of the British Museum
or of other great sciontitic collections woulri be simply to undo
the work of u century's researcll, and to scatter to the points
of the coulpayv the groundwork of lenrniug and history. Did
\YO proceed in this country on autocratic principles, the
opposito coursc would bo that most beneficial to hutnan progross,
Imuwly, to elapomcr tlm Librarians and Curators of thc
British niusoutn to seize whatever books, spccimem, or othelthings
thog could find in any of tho provinces suitable for the
completion of tho National Collections.
It is quite possible that n good dcnl might bc done in the
way of coucentration and con:plction of scientific collections,
but of’ courso it must be dono either by the legitimate process
of salo and purclas~, or by some systematic arrangement
between curators. It is a matter exclusively of scientific
detail, in which the me11 specially acquainted with each
collection can donc form any opinion.
It is naturally n point of the highest importance to ascertain
if possible tho best constitution for the control of a
Museum, and tho best modo of organisation of tho staff,
Without udertdiog to argue tho matter hero as fully as it
would deserve, I venture to express the opinion that a Museum
ought to bo regarded as a place of learning and science, and
not as L) mere ofice or shop for the display of so mnny samples,
It ought thcreforo to be controlled in the manner of 8 college,
by a neutral and mixed board of men of science and of business.
Such s council or board will retain in their om hands most
qncstions relating to finance, the structure of the Museum, and
what does not touch the profcssionaI and Scientific work of the