Around the world scientists and ordinary citizens are mourning the destruction of millions of priceless scientific and cultural items in the catastrophic fire at the 200 year old National Museum of Brazil in Rio de Janeiro. Expert Australian conservator, Professor Robyn Sloggett (AM), says the deep sadness we feel about the loss of this enormous collection is because humans have intense affection for the past as it is such a part of how we make sense of who we are.