Chapter 2

The founding of the British Museum, p. 4--Purchase of Sir Hans Sloane's collection of curios by the English government, p. 4--Collection of curios and library located in Montague Mansion, p. 5--Acquisition of the collection of Sir William Hamilton, p. 5--Capture of Egyptian antiquities by the English, p. 5--Construction of the present museum building, p. 6--The Mesopotamian department, p. 8--The Museum of Natural History in South Kensington, p. 8--Novel features in the structure of the building, p. 9--Arrangement of specimens to illustrate evolution, protective coloring, etc., p.-- --Exhibits of stuffed specimens amid their natural surroundings, p. 10--Interest taken by visitors in the institution, p. 12.