Richard Fortey: Dry Storeroom No. 1 – Reading progress update: 7%.

I want to drag all the visitors to the Museum up to the tree and explain about time, and how we exist atop a vast history that has made us what we are, and that we ignore that history at our peril. But if I did, I fear that I should be branded with the same label as that funny old man who comes up in the street to tell you about his messages from angels.

I have a feeling that this, sadly, rings true for all history, not just the natural history that Fortey refers to.

I’m really enjoying this book so far, which in part is due to Dr. Fortey’s description of the impressive building and its very own history. The only regret I have is that I had not read this book two years ago when I visited the museum.

The tree that Dr. Fortey refers to is a cross-section of a giant sequoia tree that has been part of the museums exhibition since 1893. The tree was 1,300 years old and 101 metres tall when it was felled.