INTRODUCTION. 
xi 
volumes of the latter., deriving additional value 
from the MS. notes of the learned proprietor. 
This library also contains, among other most 
valuable articles, the venerable Alexandrian 
Codex of the Bible, several splendid MSS. 
chiefly biblical and chronicles ; and among the 
printed books, abundance of old and rare edi- 
tions, many of them being presentation copies 
to the Sovereigns from their respective authors. 
His present Majesty, equally desirous to con- ^^J 1 * 
tribute to the enlargement of an institution so Pamphlets. 
useful and ornamental to his dominions, availed 
himself of an opportunity, which occurred soon 
after his accession, of making a very ample, and 
in an historical point of view, a most valuable 
addition. A numerous collection of pamphlets 
and periodical papers, published in the convulsive 
interval between the years 1640 and 1660, after 
having passed through the hands of various 
persons, some of whom were, at times, obliged 
to secrete it with uncommon care and circum- 
spection, was at length offered for sale in the year 
1762; and His Majesty, being apprized of the 
ciicumstance, immediately ordered the same to 
be purchased and to be deposited in the Mu- 
seum. The collection consists of upwards of 
c 2 30,000 
