PROPOSAL FOR THE COLLECTION 
OF 
AUTHENTIC COPIES OF MONUMENTAL 
INSCRIPTIONS. 
Tue value of monumental inscriptions, as containing evidence 
applicable to the purposes of the historian, the genealogist, the 
biographer, and in fact of all historical inquirers, is too obvious 
to need enforcement. Although generally inscribed on the most 
durable materials, they are in no degree exempt from the action 
of the ordinary agents of destruction. There are even some perils 
to which they are peculiarly exposed. Valuable memorials, 
which have defied time, fire, and damp, the ravages of civil war- 
fare and the recklessness of the restorer, have yielded at last to 
the carelessness or the ignorance of parochial authorities. Of the 
_ inscriptions published by Weever, Le Neve, and other collectors 
of this class of historical monuments, it is astonishing how many 
of the originals cannot now be found. In the present day the 
work of destruction is proceeding at an accelerated pace. The 
recent alterations in the law of interments operate most fatally 
against this class of historical evidences, and in a few years the 
loss of historical and genealogical materials from this source alone 
will be found to be not only most extensive, but of an irreparable 
character. 
The Society of Antiquaries of London, not having been suc- 
cessful in inducing the government to take measures for arresting 
this serious and growing evil, desire to provide a partial remedy 
by establishing a registry of all properly-authenticated copies of 
inscriptions; and with this view propose to collect such copies in 
the following manner: viz. 
To receive all copies of monumental inscriptions, authenticated 
to the satisfaction of the Committee appointed by the Society for 
this purpose, which may be sent to them free of expense. 
Rubbings, photographs, engravings, etchings, and lithographs 
will be received as copies. Written copies anid be in a clear 
and legible handwriting, and upon foolscap of the ordinary size. 
