The individuals who made substantial contributions to this report actually number in the hundreds-many of whom did so unknowingly. It is patently impractical to recognize the contributions of each of them. The Commission therefore resorts to recognizing a few individuals and organizations who have given generously of their time, talents, or financial support. The Virginia Academy of Science deserves immense credit for vigorously backing the concept of a Virginia Science Museum during several past administrations of that organization as well as the present one, and also for making a substantial financial contribution available to the Study Commission.

The Commission also wishes to express its gratitude to the Virginia Nurserymen's Association for its enthusiastic support and encouragement, and to the Virginia Agriculture Foundation for a very generous financial gift and for its understanding of the need for a museum of science on a state level.

The Commission takes pride in naming the following who have lent encouragement as well as financial assistance to the Commission.

Mrs. William T. Reed, Jr., of Sabot
Mrs. Jan Laverge of Richmond
Brigadier General Edwin Cox, USA (Ret.) of Aylett
The Science Departments of the University of Richmond
The Department of Natural Sciences, Longwood College.

The Commission also wishes to acknowledge the expert assistance of Hyland and Highfill Associated Architects of Richmond in the early planning stages of this report.

Wildman S. Kincheloe, Jr., of the Division of Statutory Research and Drafting headed the secretariat of the Commission. To him the Commission is indebted for the efficient and cheerful manner in which he performed his duties.

The Visual Education Department of the Health Sciences Division of Virginia Commonwealth University made possible the design and the illustrations contained in this report. This Department is headed by Melvin C. Shaffer and its Medical Art Section by Nicholas E. Mackovak. The Commission expresses its thanks to both of these gentlemen for giving freely of their time and talent.

Lastly, very special thanks are due to Anna Efford Bryant of the Visual Education Department of the Health Sciences Division of the Virginia Commonwealth University for the design and execution of the illustrations, and to Michael Gaspeny, writer, University of Richmond, for a major role in the preparation of this report.