Repository: UIHistories Project: Course Catalog - 1886-1887 [PAGE 29]

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Museums and Collections.

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Mineralogy.—The specimens of minerals show all the groups, and all the important and typical species. All the metals are represented, also many of their most important combinations. Many of the specimens are finely crystalized; these, with a complete set of imported models, fully illustrate crystalography. Agricultural.—A large collection of soils from different portions of Illinois, and other States; many varieties of corn, wheat, and other cereals and seeds; specimens illustrating the official State Inspection of grains at Chicago, showing the quality of the different grades recognized; a collection of grains, seeds, nuts, etc., from Brazil; some hundreds of models of agricultural inventions; models illustrating modes and materials for drains; casts of ancient plows; engravings, lithographs, and photographs 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 the Physical Laboratory contain a collection of apparatus from the most celebrated European and American makers, illustrating the subjects of Mechanics, Pneumatics, Optics, and Electricity. Ample facilities are afforded to students for performing experiments of precision by which the theories of Physical Science may be tested and original work may be done. A series of standard weights and measures from the office of the Coast and Geodetic Survey of the United States Government may be consulted at the Physical Laboratory. A five-light Weston dynamo has lately been placed in the machine shop, and is connected with the physical and chemical laboratories for experimental purposes. The Mechanical Laboratory is provided with a steam engine, engine and hand lathes, planer, shapers, millingmachine, drill presses, and the requisite hand tools, benches, vises, anvils, etc., for pattern-shop, blacksmith-shop, moulding-room, and bench work. Its cabinets contain several hundred models of elements of mechanism and machines from Schroeder, Riggs, the patent-office, and from the work-shops of the University. Important additions to the equipment