The Catalogue of Battle Creek College contains a request to the brethren and all the friends and patrons of the school to send in specimens of interest as contributions to a proposed museum. A similar request has been published in the REVIEW AND HERALD. A few have nobly responded.
Bro. M. E. Cornell has most liberally added his fine California collection to this youthful enterprise. This munificent donation contains over three hundred specimens. A case of mounted birds, bird’s eggs of various kinds, turtles, minerals, fossils, sea urchins, wood and bark from the big trees of California, alcoholic specimens, gold and silver ores, various coins, shells, over fifty stereoscopic views, relics, &c., &c., gathered chiefly by the untiring personal efforts of the donor. The money expended by Bro. Cornell in obtaining this collection, though by no means a trivial sum, is insignificant compared with the unabating zeal and persistent effort required in gathering together such a variety of curiosities. By resigning the pleasure that would naturally result from being in possession of so fine a collection, he has shown unmistakably his appreciation of the proposed plan of having a museum and a liberal heart in furthering this plan.
Now I ask again, Are we going to have a museum? If our friends assent, I would recommend that they follow the example of those who have responded so generously to our call. We have no doubt that should our friends send in what is now in their possession, or within their reach, our collection would far surpass anything of the kind in Battle Creek.
The Central School Building of this city at present contains a fine museum of rare specimens from various departments of nature. This collection has been made with facilities far inferior to ours. The friends of that enterprise may be limited to the citizens of a country town, our friends and facilities are world-wide.
If any should inquire, What do you want a museum for? we would briefly reply, To look at, and think about; to carefully study and admire the beautiful; and to wonder at all that is curious and grand. But these are hardly to be mentioned in comparison with the fact that in some departments of science it is absolutely necessary, to a full understanding of the subject, that it should be illustrated by specimens. Looking at and examining the different specimens arouses questions concerning the different departments of nature and art to which they belong; these questions naturally result in the investigation of the subjects which they illustrate. Thus knowledge is gained that might not otherwise be sought for. By admiring the beautiful and wondering at the curious and grand, the heart is led to look up from nature to nature’s God.
The College grounds and building are attractive, and beautiful. It is our aim not only to make our school as instructive but as interesting and inviting as any school in the State. Why should we not, brethren? Are you willing to help? If so, send along your specimens with a brief history of each. Our ministering brethren should not forget that they have superior opportunities for assisting in this enterprise.