1765-1829

This book discusses the Smithsonian Institution, the largest national museum in the United States, located in Washington DC. It also discusses the different museums that make up the Smithsonian Institution, including the National Air and Space Museum, the National Postal Museum, the National Museum of the American Indian, and the National Museum of Natural History, plus the institution's conservation techniques.

Chronicles the life of English naturalist James Smithson, discussing his origins as the bastard son of the first Duke of Northumberland, his university years, his passion for minerals, his imprisonment, and the collection and fortune he left to the United States.

Presents a comprehensive profile of British mineralogist and chemist James Smithson, who bequeathed half a million dollars to the United States for the purpose of establishing a museum.