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, 17o9.* 
IL 
GRADUAL INCREASE. 
l .—BY ROYAL AND PARLIAMENTARY GRANTS . 
This establishment ranks the Sovereigns of 
these Kingdoms among its first and most muni¬ 
ficent benefactors. 
His late Majesty, fully impressed with a con¬ 
viction of the utility of this Institution, was, 
in the year 1757, graciously pleased to make 
over to this trust, the whole of the very choice 
and 
* Besides the <£20,000 paid for the Sloanean, and the 
£ 10,000 for the Harleian, collections, and £10,000 for Montague 
House, the sum of £28,663 155. 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 
£26,531. 35. 2d. raised by the Lottery, scarcely sufficed to defray 
the expences of repairs, case?, furniture, removing the collectiotss* 
and various other incidental charges. 
'Royal 
donation's. 
George II. 
The Royal 
' Library. 
