TO HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY VICTORIA, BY THE GRACE OF GOD OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND, QUEEN, DEFENDER OF THE FAITH.

The Memorial of the undersigned connected with Literature, Science, and the Fine Arts, Professors of divers Universities, &c., &c.,

HUMBLY SHEWETH,

That your Memorialists take it for granted that Museums and other collections of a similar character are established for the instruction and moral improvement of the people; and that in proportion as such Institutions are made available for popular education do they fulfil the purposes of their origin.

That the labors and necessary avocations of the great body of the community leave little or no opportunity of visiting such Institutions during the week, when they are open to the public, and hence that the main object of their formation is lost to those whom they are intended to benefit.

The Sunday, as a day of rest and leisure, when the thoughts of men, released from the engrossing labor of mere existence, turn naturally to the beauties of the Universe, and to its Creator, is the time most fitted for the exercise of the reflective faculties; and your Memorialists being firmly convinced that all true education must tend to the reverence and love of the Deity, believe that if such Institutions as above enumerated were open to the people on Sunday Afternoon, it would be an inestimable boon to the laboring population, would raise up an opposing principle to intemperance and immorality, and in every way advance the condition of the people.

YOUR MEMORIALISTS therefore pray your Majesty to lend your Royal countenance to remove all restrictions and impediments, so that the National Museums, Picture Galleries, Botanical Gardens, and similar collections, as well as those of parochial or municipal foundation throughout the United Kingdom, may be opened to the public on Sunday Afternoon.²

Charles Darwen, M.A., F.R.S., F.G.S. [and 942 others]³