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British Library
Documentation
There is a previous note 1855 part 2, pp.157-159 to which
this is an answer; which is not transcribed.
...
REMARKS ON THE MUSEUM CATALOGUES.
MR. URBAN, - As to the proposal of a General Catalogue of
Printed Books in the British Museum, arranged according to
subject, it is confessedly a most desirable addition to the
New Reading Room. But there appear to me to be several
serious difficulties attending its accomplishment.
I. The Catalogues are various:-
1. The General Printed Catalogue, with MS. Additions.
This is arranged, like all the others, under the names both
of authors and subjects. Thus many subjects will be found
without the name of the author, as is the case of hundreds
of pamphlets during the 17th and 18th centuries, when it was
inexpedient and even dangerous to give a name. They are
chiefly political and theological. Here also will be found
the immense collection of pamphlets, sermons, broadsides,
&c. written and collected during the Civil Wars, from
1640 to 1660, and commonly known, though erroneously, under
the title of "The King's Pamphlets." These are arranged in
this catalogue under both author and subject. Thus a battle
or event at Bath will be found under Bath, and again
perhaps under the name of the General who commanded at it.
Again, the biographical particulars relative to Burton and
his works will be found under Burton. Some others
perhaps under Anglia, Ecclesia, Parliament, or
Carolus I. This Catalogue has a distinct set of
press-marks,, (sic) by which alone the books can be found.
2. The New General MS. Catalogue.
Bound in blue, with general divisions of subject, - as
Biblia, Great Britain, Periodical Publications,
&c. With indexes to the several general divisions. This
has only been commenced within the last few years, and is a
decided improvement on the former Catalogue. It is
continually increasing. This is also distinguished by a
distinct set of press-marks.
3. The King's Library Catalogue.
This has a distinct set of press-marks. Tickets should be
headed "King's Library."
4. The Grenville Library Catalogue.
This is in two parts, and has numerous manuscript additions.
Both parts are required for reference. This has a distinct
set of press-marks. Tickets should be headed "Grenville
Library."
5. The King's Pamphlets Catalogue.
This is in manuscript, and recently made. The collection
consists of the pamphlets which belonged to the library of
George III. and came into the Museum with the "King's
Library," but were kept separate, and never catalogued till
recently. They have a separate set of press-marks. Tickets
should be headed "King's Pamphlets."
Now here several difficulties present themselves:-
By what means could a Catalogue ac-
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