INTRODUCTION. 
IX 
i ving stood long empty, proved very expensive), 
were immediately proceeded upon; and the proper 
book-cases and cabinets having beencompleted, 
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, 1759.* 
II. 
GRADUAL INCREASE. 
1 .-BY ROYAL AND PARLIAMENTARY GRANTS. 
This establishment ranks the Sovereigns of 
these Kingdoms among its first and most munifi- 
o o 
cent 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 
important library of printed books and manu- 
c scripts, 
* Besides the ^ 20,000 paid for the Sloanean, and the 
«j£t0,000 for the Harleian, collections, and ^10,000 for Montagu 
House, the sum of ^28,663. 155. was laid out in the purchase 
of <^30,000. 3 per cent Reduced Annuities, and appropriated to 
the maintenance of the establishment ; and the remaining 
^26,531. 3s. 2d. raised by the Lottery, scarcely sufficed to defray 
the expenses of repairs, cases, furniture, removing the collections, 
and various other incidental charges. 
Royal 
Donations, 
George IT. 
The Royal 
Library. 
