DIRECTIONS TO THE BINDER. The different Pieces composing this Volume ought to be bound up in the order marked ADVERTISEMENT. THE CATALOGUE contained in this Volume is drawn up in the order of the Alphabet, and consists, in fact, of four separate Catalogues, or Parts, each forming a distinct Alphabet. These partial Catalogues were compiled and printed, for the convenience of the Society, at successive periods; and, whilst each presents a view of the progress of the Library during the period to which it relates, the whole indicate the sum of its contents, in that state of advancement which it had attained at the close of the year 1833, when the last Part was printed. The First comprises a list of its acquisitions from its commencement to the year 1805; the Second those added between that period and the year 1820a period of great and valuable augmentation; the Third, the additions between the above year and 1826-another period of rapid advancement; and the Fourth, those between the last mentioned year and 1833, when, as above stated, the Printed Catalogue closes. As these four Parts compose a volume of considerable magnitude, and as it was not likely that they would be incorporated, either in an Alphabetical or Classed form, for a long time to come, it seemed advisable, as much as possible, to remedy the inconveniences arising from the necessity of consulting separate Alphabets, by means of an Index of Subjects applicable to the whole. This Sequel, which will be found, in some measure, to supply the great desideratum of a Classed Catalogue, was accordingly announced in 1833, when the last of the four Parts was printed; and it was hoped that its execution would be completed in a short time thereafter; but unforeseen difficulties conspired to protract its completion till the present day. It has been wholly executed by Mr. THOMAS SHIELLS, one of the Assistant Librarians; and, as it is calculated to be of eminent advantage, and exhibits the fruits of much skill, care, and labour, its merits and uses will, no doubt, be generally and duly felt and appretiated. Different opinions may, reasonably enough, be formed as to the proper construction and arrangement of such a compilation; but no doubt can possibly exist as to the utility of the present specimen; and it is believed, that no other British Library can as yet boast of possessing an Index, equally ample and elaborate, to its literary treasures. As its nature and plan will be far more readily and clearly perceived by even a slight inspection, than by any detailed explanation, it is not thought necessary to enlarge upon it in this place. Some omissions have been supplied in a short Addendum; and any other defects and imperfections that may be discovered, will be readily excused by those who are aware of the difficulties attending such complicated undertakings. The RULES and REGULATIONS applicable to the government and management of the Library, were mostly framed a few years ago, when they received the sanction of the Society, at a General Meeting held for the purpose of considering them; and, with some additions, were afterwards ordered to be Methodised and Printed for the use of the Society. The execution of this Order was deferred till the Index should be completed, with the view of enabling those possessing the Catalogues, Index, and Laws, to bind them up in one Volume,―it being very desirable to preserve the whole in a connected form, and, particularly, to have the Laws in a state calculated to bring them easily and habitually under the eyes of those whose use of the Library they were intended to regulate. The completion of this Volume may be regarded as marking the final close of the late Librarian's management, and (making allowance for the Books added between 1833 and that occurrence,) as shewing the state and government of the Library when he left it; for though his resignation took place at Whitsunday last, it continued to be his wish to see the Volume completed, before finally relinquishing all official connection with the Society. SIGNET LIBRARY, November 1837. |