INTRODUCTION, 
Persons who are desirous to obtain a general 
idea of the contents of this extensive Repository* 
will probably be gratified by having a brief state* 
ment previously laid before them ; I. Of the cir¬ 
cumstances which gave rise to the institution ; II. 
Of its Gradual Increase ; III. Of its Constitution* 
and the Regulations now in force for its preser* 
vation and useful application ; and IV. Of the 
present distribution of its numerous contents* in 
the several Departments into which it is divided. 
I. 
FOUNDATION BY PARLIAMENT. 
The project of a public establishment of this 
nature was first suggested by the will of Sir 
Hans Sloane* late of Ghelsea in the county of 
Middlesex* Bart.* who, during a long period of 
eminent practice in physic* had accumulated a 
© very 
The Sloaneah 
Museum. 
