In response to a comment by F J Sarre to the Museum discussion list: The Pitt Rivers has just installed a new automated collecting box. It was designed by Tim Hunkin, is made out of recycled materials, and is very witty.It is entitled 'The Anthropologists' Fund Raising Ritual' and hints at the Museum's role in the history of anthropology.Inside one of the Museum's original small display cases there is a group of anthropologists (typological display). Roughly carved out of differnent woods, these are charicatures of real people who have contributed to the Museum's collections. They include General Pitt Rivers and our present Director. Each is identified by a tiny label similar to the original labels still used in the displays. They move first as a visitor passes, to attract attention, and then when a donation is received they bend over to inspect the donation (I think this is more often interpreted as a bow in gratitude). Their eyes light up and a bell rings too, thereby attracting more attention. Tim has also produced a booklet (cartoon format, 50p) briefly explaining the mechanisms, and ideas behind it. It generates a good deal of amusement and encourages some reflection on the history of ideas which underpin the Museum's displays. It is too early to say how much money it will raise. We have tried it in varying locations over the last month, with varying results,and it has raised more than we expected. However it is nowhere near the amount we would receive through even minimal admission charges, working out between about 5p and 10p per person. This commission was generously supported by Southern Arts and by the Friends of the Pitt Rivers Museum. One of our Friends is collating information on automated collecting boxes and the donations they raise, so if anyone has relevant information they would be willing to share please send it to me the Museum. We will make sure the results are made available to anyone interested. Kate White Marketing Pitt Rivers Museum