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. HISTORICAL SKETCH. The HARTFORD YOUNG MEN'S INSTITUTE Owes its origin mainly to the interest awakened on the subject of Lyceums, and Associations for Mutual Improvement, by the lectures and discussions before the American Lyceum, at its annual meeting held at Hartford, May, 1838. The importance of establishing an institution in which all the young men of the city might associate for purposes of moral and mental improvement, was discussed among individuals, and notice for a public meeting at Union Hall, on Friday evening, 19th May, 1838, was given in the newspapers of the city. A public meeting was accordingly held, of which the Hon. Thomas S. Williams was made chairman, and William James Hamersley, Secretary. On motion of Erastus Smith, and after remarks by Rev. T. H. Gallaudet, Gen. Johnson, Rev. Mr. Sprague and Erastus Smith, it was resolved, That the Young Men of Hartford associate together for the purpose of mutual improvement. The plan of an Association was then discussed, and its further consideration postponed to an adjourned meeting, to be held on Monday evening, June 4th. On that evening, the meeting was organized by appointing Henry Barnard, 2d., Chairman, and Erastus Collins, Secretary. The articles of association, under the name of the "Hartford Young Men's Institute," were then discussed and adopted, and were substantially the same as are now found in the Constitution. On the 5th of June, the association was organized by the appointment by ballot of the following officers : President, Henry Barnard, 2d. Vice Presidents, George G. Spencer, William M. Durand. Corresponding Secretary, William N.Matson. Recording Secretary, Gustavus F. Davis. Treasurer, Erastus Collins. Directors, Junius S. Morgan, Edwards W. Coleman, James D. Willard, Amariah Storrs, Alfred Gill. The Officers of the Institute immediately issued the following Circular, and on the evening of the Fourth of July, the President delivered a public address, setting forth the claims of this and similar institutions upon the liberal support of the community, and especially young men. upon the |