University of Virginia Library

EQUIPMENTS

The Library of the University, originally selected and arranged by Mr.
Jefferson, and since much enlarged by purchases and donations, now contains
about 42,000 volumes. (See page 62.)

LEWIS BROOKS MUSEUM.

The Lewis Brooks Museum contains collections illustrating the subjects
of Geology, Mineralogy, Zoology and Botany. Each of the collections
is selected so as to exemplify the principles of these sciences, and,
at the same time, to exhibit a large variety of subjects for their study. Its
primary object is to serve as an aid in teaching Natural History.

In Geology the collections are large and well selected. The specimens
of rocks show all the different kinds classified according to mineral
character, and the formations in which they occur. The collection of
fossils, plaster casts, maps, etc., is exceptionally fine, and fully illustrates
Historical Geology. In Mineralogy the principles of the science
are made plain by well-chosen suits of specimens, models of crystals, etc.
The general collection of minerals contains all the important minerals,
and many of the rarer ones, in good specimens. The science of
Zoology is well illustrated by a fine and large collection of objects, such
as mounted skeletons, stuffed animals, dried specimens, plaster casts, etc.
In Botany the collections contain charts, papier-maché models of flowers,
fruits, sections of wood, etc. The bulk of the collection is in the
form of an herbarium selected from the most important and interesting
botanical regions of the world.

In addition to the above, a beginning has been made of a collection
to illustrate the geology and mineralogy of the State of Virginia, and this
will be increased as rapidly as possible.

LEANDER McCORMICK OBSERVATORY.

The Astronomical Observatory on the University grounds is the gift
of Leander J. McCormick, Esq., of Chicago. It contains the great refracting
telescope of 26 inches aperture, constructed for Mr. McCormick

by Alvan Clark & Sons, and given by him to the University. The directorship
has been endowed with the sum of $50,000 by the Alumni
and other friends of the University; and an additional sum of $25,000,
given to the Institution by Wm. H. Vanderbilt, Esq., of New York, has
been invested, that the income may form a working fund for the Observatory.
(See page 35.)

CHEMICAL LABORATORY.

A building planned and erected for the purpose is exclusively used as
a chemical lecture-room and laboratory. It is completely fitted with the
most approved appliances, and stocked with apparatus, models, materials
and specimens. The commodious lecture-room, with work and store
rooms attached, is provided with every convenience for exhibiting a complete
series of experiments illustrating the lectures on General Chemistry.
The large room assigned to Analytical Chemistry will accommodate
fifty working students, and is furnished with work tables, gas, water,
and all proper laboratory fixtures; and all requisite apparatus, chemicals,
minerals, materials for analysis, etc., are kept constantly supplied by
home purchase and importation.

A very large number of specimens, constituting a Museum of Industrial
Chemistry, has been collected, at much expense and pains, in this
country, England, France and Germany, illustrating the products and
processes of Chemistry applied to the Arts and Manufactures, and so arranged
as to be a most valuable aid to the student of Industrial Chemistry.
(See page 32.)

PHYSICAL LABORATORY.

A suitable room has been assigned to this object by the Board of
Visitors. The needful fittings have been partly provided, and its
thorough equipment will be pushed forward as rapidly as funds for the
purpose can be obtained. (See p. 31.)

UNIVERSITY CHAPEL.

A sum sufficient to build a handsome chapel within the University
precincts is being subscribed by the present members, alumni, and
friends of the University. The work of building is begun, and will be
pushed to completion as rapidly as possible.