1803.] THE ROYAL INSTITUTION. 213 



practical science, but a library of general and authentic 

 history, political economy, finances, topography, and 

 other departments of knowledge that may be useful to 

 individuals of the United Kingdom, and also to scientific 

 persons of other nations.' 



This was formed in the room which is now the upper 

 library. Before the theatre was built it had been the 

 lecture room. 



In June Mr. Harris, who had been employed at Mr. 

 Egerton's, the bookseller in Whitehall, was engaged 

 to correct and arrange the library, and to buy the 

 London Library, in Hatton Garden, if he thought it 

 was desirable to do so. It was found to be in a very 

 bad state and was declined. 



On July 27, 1803, at the meeting of the general 

 committee of the patrons of the library and collection 

 of reference of the Eoyal Institution, a letter was read 

 from Mr. Dibden to Mr. Bernard, applying for the situ- 

 ation of principal librarian of the Eoyal Institution. 



Being a married man with a yonng family, and having 

 a particular partiality to the study of bibliography, such a 

 situation would be an eligible one and agreeable to my 

 general habits and pursuits. 



He enclosed a testimonial from Dr. Jenner. 



It was resolved that Mr. Dibden be informed ' that it 

 is not intended to proceed to the choice of a librarian 

 until after Christmas next.' 



At the end of April Mr. Hatchett laid before the 

 managers a report on the chemical department of the 

 Institution. He said : 



