Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1890 [PAGE 181]

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184

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS.

represented, also m a n y of their m o s t i m p o r t a n t combinations. Many of t h e specimens are finely crystalized; these, with a complete set of imported models, fully illustrate crystalography. Agriculture.—A collection of soils from different portions of Illinois and other s t a t e s ; m a n y varieties of corn, wheat, a n d other cereals and seeds; specimens illustrating t h e official s t a t e inspection of grains a t Chicago, showing t h e quality of t h e different grades recognized; models of agricultural inventions; models illustrating modes and materials for d r a i n s ; casts of ancient plows; engravings, lithographs and p h o t o g r a p h s of typical animals of noted breeds. The farms give good illustrations of farm buildings, implements, machinery, modes of culture, and of domestic animals of various classes. Physics.—The cabinets of t h e physical l a b o r a t o r y contain a collection of a p p a r a t u s from the m o s t celebrated European a n d American makers, illustrating t h e subjects of mechanics, pneu-* matics, optics, and electricity. Ample facilities are afforded t o students for performing experiments of precision by which t h e theories of physical science m a y be tested and original work m a y be done. A five-light Weston d y n a m o a t t h e machine shop is connected with t h e physical and chemical laboratories for experimental purposes, and is supplemented by a valuable series of instruments for accurate electrical measurements. A series of s t a n d a r d weights and measures from t h e office of t h e Coast and Geodetic Survey of t h e United S t a t e s m a y be consulted a t the physical l a b o r a t o r y . The Mechanical Laboratory is provided with a steam engine, engine and h a n d lathes, planer, shapers, milling machine, drill presses, a n d t h e requisite h a n d tools, benches, vises, anvils, etc., for p a t t e r n shop, blacksmith shop, moulding-room, and bench work. I t s cabinets contain several hundred models of elements of mechanism and machines from Schroeder, Eiggs, t h e P a t ent Office, and from the workshops of the University. Import a n t additions t o t h e equipment of tools and machines h a v e lately been made, including a testing machine of m o s t approved design, having a capacity of 100,000 pounds and a mercury colu m n for accurate testing of water and steam-gauges. Mining Engineering is illustrated by a valuable series of models, obtained from Freiburg, illustrating sections of mines, machinery for elevating and breaking ore, with furnaces and machinery for metallurgical processes. An extensive mining and metallurgical l a b o r a t o r y is in process of arrangement. A considerable portion of the machinery is already in working condition.