PREFACE. The want of a full and systematically arranged Catalogue, has long been deeply felt by all who have had occasion to consult the Library of the Institute. While unprovided with permanent and suitable rooms for the accommodation of the books, the attempt to re-arrange the Library, or prepare a Catalogue, seemed inexpedient. Early, however, in the present year, this objection was removed by the completion of "Wadsworth Atheneum," erected for the accommodation of the Institute and the other kindred Institutions in our city. Upon taking possession of the Rooms in the Atheneum, designed for the Institute, the Committee resolved to enter immediately upon the arduous task of preparing a Catalogue of the Library, suited to the wants of its members, and worthy of the Institute over which they had the honor to preside: of that determination the following work is the result. The plan of the present Catalogue was adopted after mature consideration. It is essentially the same as that of the Library of Brown University, a work truly deserving of the high praise it has received. It is arranged in two parts: in the first and main division, the books are described under the names of their respective authors, in alphabetical order. Where the author of the work is unknown, it is placed under the most prominent word or words of its title; and in certain other instances, as where the author is comparatively unknown, it has been thought expedient to describe his work, under the important word of its title, as well as under the name of its author. Biographical notices of authors have also occasionally been introduced. The second division of the Catalogue presents the books classified under their respective subjects; it is intended to serve as an index to the first part, and at the same time to facilitate the search for books in any particular department of knowledge, by presenting them all in one group to the eye. |