Hi, Julie.
I recall seeing works on early collecting that led to museums by a guy named Stockton? Stockman? Something like that. Perhaps it will ring a bell with others. I also ran across a webpage bibliography from an obscure conference held a couple of years ago in California: Microcosms: Curiosity Cabinets Workshop. www.microcosms.ihc.ucsb.edu/meetings/CCbiblio.html
It looked as if it had some interesting, and perhaps useful sources listed.
Best wishes to all in and around St. Mary's County.
Bob Keeler