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Gentleman's Magazine 1855 part 2 p.276

  British Museum Library
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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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