floor to ceiling, fitted with shelves,
except on two sides of both galleries, where they are formed by a series
of glass-fronted cabinets containing extensive collections of curious
and beautiful mineralogical and geological specimens, among which is
the notable Tiffany-Kunz collection of minerals acquired by Edison some
years ago. Here and there in these cabinets may also be found a
few models which he has used at times in his studies of anatomy and
physiology.

The shelves on the remainder of the upper gallery and part of those on
the first gallery are filled with countless thousands of specimens of
ores and minerals of every conceivable kind gathered from all parts of
the world, and all tagged and numbered. The remaining shelves of the
first gallery are filled with current numbers (and some back numbers) of
the numerous periodicals to which Edison subscribes. Here may be
found the popular magazines, together with those of a technical nature
relating to electricity, chemistry, engineering, mechanics, building,
cement, building materials, drugs, water and gas, power, automobiles,
railroads, aeronautics, philosophy, hygiene, physics, telegraphy,
mining, metallurgy, metals, music, and others; also theatrical weeklies,
as well as the proceedings and transactions of various learned and
technical societies.

The first impression received as one enters on the main floor of the
library and looks around is that of noble proportions and symmetry as a
whole. The open central space of liberal dimensions and height, flanked
by the galleries and relieved by four handsome electric-lighting
fixtures suspended from the ceiling by long chains, conveys an idea of
lofty spaciousness; while the huge open fireplace, surmounted by a great
clock built into the wall, at one end of the room, the large rugs, the
arm-chairs scattered around, the tables and chairs in the alcoves, give
a general air of comfort combined with utility. In one of the larger
alcoves, at the sunny end of the main hall, is Edison's own desk, where
he may usually be seen for a while in the early morning hours looking
over his mail or otherwise busily working on matters requiring his
attention.

At the opposite end of the room, not far from the open fireplace, is a
long table surrounded by swivel desk-chairs. It is here that directors'
meetings are sometimes held, and also where weighty matters are often
discussed by Edison at conference with his closer associates. It