INTRODUCTION. 
IX 
were immediately proceeded upon; and the 
proper book-cases and cabinets having been com¬ 
pleted, and the collections removed thither, and 
properly distributed and arranged, the Museum 
was, at length, opened for study and public 
inspection, on the 15th of January, I75y. # 
II. 
GRADUAL INCREASE. 
y .—BY ROYAL AND PARLIAMENTARY GRANTS. 
This establishment ranks the Sovereigns of 
these Kingdoms among its first and most muni¬ 
ficent benefactors. 
His late Majesty, fu\\y impressed with a con¬ 
viction of the utility of this Institution, was, 
in the year 175/3 graciously pleased to make 
over to,this trust, the whole of the very choice 
and important library of printed books and 
c manuscripts. 
* Besides- the J?2Q,000 paid for the Sloanean, and the 
j£l0,000 for the Harleian, collections, and ^10,000 for Montagu 
House, the sum of ^28,663. 15s. was laid out in the purchase 
of £30,000 three per cent. Reduced Annuities, and appropriated 
to the maintenance of the establishment ; and the remaining 
£2G,5 31. 3s. 2d. raised by the Lottery, scarcely sufficed to defray 
the expences of repairs, cas^s, furniture, removing the collections, 
sod various other incidental charges. 
Royal 
Donations. 
George II 
The Royal 
Library , 
