The British Museum Reading-Room

Abstract

THE proper ventilation of this spacious room is a problem, surely not insoluble, but still awaiting solution. Is it not a serious grievance that to make use of one of the finest libraries in existence, means, for many, injury to health? Bad headaches and other ills, due to the stuffy and impure atmosphere which collects about the desks, are a common experience; and I know men who have given up going to the place on that account. For readers who live by work which can only be done there (some of whom are women), the matter is especially grave. Officials, again, will tell you that they often feel thoroughly done out after their day's work, which in itself is not generally severe. It seems to me the atmosphere improves after the lamps are lit; possibly owing to the upward current of heated air. If this were verified, it might offer a clue to improvement. The whole matter calls for thorough scientific investigation; and I would suggest, as a preliminary step, that analysis be made of the air (say) on a Saturday afternoon, with regard not only to its gaseous constituents, but also to micro-organisms, which are no doubt plentiful.