The “Challenger” Collections

Abstract

IT is a rather remarkable proof of the increased interest taken in natural science, that no one worth listening to has ventured to make a remark in disparagement of the Challenger expedition, or to utter a growl at the liberal support accorded to it from the national fund. This goes far to show that extensive classes of the community are able in various degrees to appreciate the objects and results of the expedition. One of these results is the collection of specimens in natural history. It is on the final destination of this collection that I wish to offer a suggestion. Within my own recollection it would have been difficult to name half-a-dozen public museums in Great Britain and Ireland where a series of objects, such as could be formed out of the duplicates in the Challenger collection, would be sure of meeting with a suitable reception. The number now would probably exceed a score, exclusive of museums in public colleges and schools; at a rough estimate the total number may be put down as at least forty. The supporters of these museums, as public tax-payers, have willingly contributed towards the expenses of the late noble and successful expedition; but it is not alone on this ground that I would respectfully urge a recognition of their claim to share in the treasure trove, but rather on the ground of the impulse that might be given to the study of natural science, and to the cordial support of plans for further expeditions of a like character.