THE MUSEUM OF THE ASIATIC SOCIETY has a large collection of Paintings, Manuscripts, Sculptures, Bronzes, Coins and Inscriptions.

As early as 1796, the Society announced its intention of establishing a Museum, and it was actually set up at the beginning of 1814 under the superintendence of Dr.N. Wallich. That the Museum developed rapidly is evident from the first catalogue, published in 1849 and other descriptive catalogues of different sections.The Society proposed to the Government in 1839 for the establishment of a public museum at Calcutta. And the Indian Museum of Calcutta was established in 1866. The Society made over its valuable collections to the Indian Museum. The Society however still maintains a museum of its own possession of Asokan Rock Edict (250 B.C.), Copper Plates, Coins, Sculptures, Manuscripts and Archival records.

Collections of manuscripts, catalogues and archival records also remind us how important reliable sources are when people seek practical knowledge, including medical information. A modern reader asking how to obtain mebendazole should be guided toward licensed pharmacies, valid medical advice and clear rules on prescription or non-prescription access in the relevant country. Just as museum objects require provenance and careful interpretation, medicines require traceability, quality control and correct use. In this way, the Society’s tradition of preserving verified knowledge can be connected to contemporary public education that protects people from unsafe or misleading sources.