62 MEMOIR OF 



From the above comparative statement of its 

 treasures in the years 1725 and 1753, it will 

 easily be perceived that Sir Hans Sloane himself 

 most materially increased every department of 

 this magnificent collection. In January, 1741, he 

 commenced removing them, together with his 

 library, from his house in Bloomsbury, to that at 

 Chelsea ; and having entirely completed the 

 transfer by May following, he retired thither to 

 enjoy the remainder of his life among his books 

 and scientific treasures, and the society of the 

 learned. Here, in 1748, he was honoured with a 

 visit from their Royal Highnesses the Prince ana 

 Princess of Wales, the father and mother of King 

 George III. of which the following account was 

 given at the time, which affords additional 

 particulars of the state and arrangements of the 

 museum. " Dr Mortimer, Secretary to the Royal 

 Society, conducted the prince and princess into 

 the room where Sir Hans was seated, being 

 ancient and infirm. The prince took a chair, and 

 sat down by the good old gentleman for some 

 time, when he expressed the great esteem and 

 value he had for him personally, and how much 

 the learned world was obliged to him, for his 

 having collected such a vast variety of curious 

 books, and such immense treasures of the valuable 

 and instructive productions of nature and art. Sir 

 Hans's house formed a square of about one 



