MEMOIR OF 
62 
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 and 
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 
