INTRODUCTION. 
j?ERSONS 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 
9 Hans 
The Sloaneaa 
Museum. 
