Lives of the Founders of the British Museum, Part 2 of 2 - With Notices of Its Chief Augmentors and Other Benefactors, 1570-1870.

If we were to take away from the Museum Collection [of Books] the Kings Library, and the collection which George the Third gave before that, and then the magnificent collection of Mr. Cracherode, as well as those of Sir William Musgrave, Sir Joseph Banks, Sir Richard Colt Hoare, and many others,and also all the books received under the Copyright Act,if we were to take away all the books so given, I am satisfied not one half of the books [in 1836], nor one third of the value of the Library, has been procured with money voted by the Nation. The Nation has done almost nothing for the Library.... Considering the British Museum to be a National Library for research, its utility increases in proportion with the very rare and costly books, in preference to modern books.... I think that scholars have a right to look, for these expensive works, to the Government of the Country.... I want a poor student to have the same means of indulging his learned curiosity,of following his rational pursuits,of consulting the same authorities,of fathoming the most intricate inquiry,as the richest man in the kingdom, as far as books go. And I contend that Government is bound to give him the most liberal and unlimited assistance in this respect. I want the Library of the British Museum to have books of both descriptions.... ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 67390
Author: Edwards, Edward
Release Date: Feb 17, 2022
Format: eBook
Language: English
Publication Date: 1870
Publisher Country: United Kingdom