83 [ 1 ] 



on the comparative merits of these processes. They feel satisfied that no 

 important mechanical difficulty is to be apprehended in carrying the plan 

 into full effect. 



A majority of the undersigned devoted themselves for several successive 

 meetings to the careiul consideration of the set of rules submitted to them 

 by Professor Jewett, for the uniform preparation of the titles of books. 

 This is a subject which has of late received much attention from biblio- 

 graphers, and is of great importance in the formation of the catalogues of 

 public libraries. Professor Jewett's rules combine the results of the ex- 

 perience of those who have given their attention to the subject in the prin- 

 cipal libraries ol Europe, especially of the British Museum, together with 

 the fruits of his own experience and study. These rules appeared to the 

 undersigned to be drawn up with judgment and care. A few amendments 

 were recommended by the undersigned, and a few additions proposed, but 

 they are prepared to signify their approval of the system substantially as 

 submitted to them. It is contained, as amended by the undersigned, in 

 conference with Professor Jewett, in the paper marked B,* which they beg 

 leave also to make a part of their report. 



In order that a beginning may be made in the execution of the plan, 

 under circumstances highly favorable to its success, the undersigned take 

 the liberty of suggesting, that it would be advisable for the Regents of the 

 Smitlisonian Institution to obtain the requisite authority to prepare a 

 catalogue of the library of Congress on the above described plan. A cata- 

 logue of this library is now very much wanted. Originally constructed on 

 a defective plan, and continued by the publication of a large number of 

 supplements, it is now almost useless ; and as the library increases, it be- 

 comes daily more so. The preparation of an alphabetieal catalogue has 

 in this way become a matter of absolute necessity for the library itself; 

 while it affords the best opportunity for commencing an arrangement by 

 which the various libraries of the country will be brought into a mutually 

 beneficial connexion with each other, on the plan proposed by Professor 

 Jewett. 



The undersigned consider the permanent superintendence of this plan to 

 be an object entirely within the province of the Smithsonian Institution. 

 They are satisfied that it will tend both to the increase and the ditfusion 

 of knowledge, and they therefore hope that the sanction of the Regents 

 and of Congress will be given to the undertaking. 



(Signed,) EDWARD EVERETT, 



JOSEPH G. COGSWELL. 

 CHARLES FOLSOM, 

 SAMUEL F. HAVEN, 

 EDWARD E. HALE, 

 GEORGE LIVERMORE. 

 Boston, 26th October, 1850. 



" Tliose rubs, with copious explanations and examples, will soon be published in a pam- 

 phlet form. It was found impossible to prepare them to be printed with the present report. 



