436 



In reference to the history of the MSS., of such of them, 

 at least, as are of any high antiquity, it was of great im- 

 portance to collect together the numerous memoranda, 

 short scraps of poetry, dates, signatures, and other entries, 

 which are frequently to be found on the margins of MSS. 

 These are often mere scribbUng, and often written from pure 

 wantonness, or for the purpose of trying a pen ; but they 

 very frequently contain information of singular interest, 

 shewing who were the ancient owners or possessors of the 

 MS., and sometimes giving facts and dates of which we have 

 no other record. A most remarkable example of the value 

 of these apparently trifling scribblings will be found in Mr. 

 Curry's account of the Leabhar Breac, upon whose history 

 the most important light has been thus thrown. 



The autograph volume of the Four Masters, which is 

 one of the glories of the Academy's Library, may also be 

 mentioned as a MS., whose history Mr. Curry's researches 

 have greatly illustrated. By a comparison of it with the MS. 

 (also an autograph) in the Library of Trinity College, Mr. 

 Curry has succeeded in identifying the handwritings of its 

 different compilers, and to assign to each the portion of these 

 Annals which he appears to have compiled, or at least to 

 have transcribed. 



When any document occurred of peculiar interest, as an 

 historical tale, or ancient deed, or singular narrative, Mr. 

 Curry has very generally given an abstract of its contents. 

 This has been sparingly done, from a wish to avoid swelling 

 the Catalogue to too great a bulk ; but it is of more im- 

 portance than it might seem to be at first view, especially if 

 the Catalogue should ever be published, as furnishing to those 

 who are at a distance, the means of identifying the works 

 described with MSS. in other collections. 



Dr. Todd having read some extracts from Mr. Curry's 

 Catalogue in illustration of the foregoing remarks, concluded 

 by stating, that about five volumes still remained to be cata- 



