1863 Catalogue of Marine Glass Models - Postscript by Ludwig Reichenbach

[translation]
Postscript.

After confirming of what Mr. Blaschka has announced here, I would like to explain the following.

Mr. Blaschka arrived here in July and both the exotic orchids artificially made from glass-like materials that he exhibited here in a pavilion in the botanical garden, and the objects exhibited under our eyes, showed us that we saw before us a virtuoso of rare talent in the art of modelling. All experts unanimously agreed that his artefacts were excellently true to nature in design and colouring. The modest man also had the experience of having seen many things on his travels and so his knowledgeable look soon understood the new so easily, that he surprised us with his achievements.

But soon the question arose of how this man could be employed in a way that is useful, that is, beneficial for science. This question easily coincided with the longstanding wish of the K. naturhistorischen Museum [Imperial Natural History Museum]: to have some very perishable  delicate sea products, which become completely unimpressive when stored, represented by lifelike models. However, everyone can daily see for themselves of how well the experiment with the Sea Anemones succeeded, by looking at our rich collection in a glance at the Natural History Museum, or through placing an order and after receiving a collection, this can be demonstrated at home. We also hope to report on the scope of these experiments later on.

The demand has already increased and it is worth mentioning that the first three shipments went to Löbau for schools, but the largest orders were made for Petersburg and Dorpat. The stock will soon be depleted, but with the new copies to be produced all the time, the manufacturer will be able to satisfy the orders in the order in which they are received.

Dresden, October 16, 1863. L. Reichenbach.