Introduction. xxiii 
ate a great number of biographical tracts* many 
of them of great rarity and curiosity ; and about 
forty volumes of manuscripts* the greater number 
of them being an obituary kept by himself* 
during the whole period of his active career. 
For the greatest* and* though not the most 
conspicuous* yet no doubt the most valuable of 
the accessions by gift* the public is indebted 
to the spontaneous and splendid munificence 
of a private individual* upon whom* were this 
a place for panegyric* the greatest encomiums 
ought in justice to be bestowed. The Rev» 
Clayton Mordaunt Cracherode* M.A.* a gentle¬ 
man equally eminent for knowledge, taste* and 
urbanity, had* during the whole course of his 
too limited career* employed his time, talents* 
and ample fortune* in forming numerous and 
choice collections of printed books* prints* 
coins and medals* minerals* and shells. This 
treasure he* with a liberalit}^ of which there are 
few examples* was pleased to bequeath to the 
Museum* where* due preparations having been 
made for its reception* if was actually deposited 
in the year 1799 - To enumerate only the most 
considerable articles of these collections would far 
exceed the limits of this introduction ; but some 
idea may be formed of their importance* by the 
value 
The Crachero- 
dean collection. 
