XXVI 
INTRODUCTION. 
Sir Joseph 
Banks, 
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 liberality of which there are 
few examples, was pleased to bequeath to the 
Museum, where, due preparations having been 
made for its reception, it 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 set upon them by experienced dealers in 
the different branches, when the House of Com¬ 
mons called for such an estimate, with a view to 
remit the Legacy-tax upon the whole bequest* 
To this list must be added, the name of the 
Right. Hon. Sir Joseph Banks, Bart., K. B., 
who 
• This valuation is as follows: 
Printed Books.. 
Coins and Medals.. 
Prints.... 
Shells and Minerals.... 
Gems........ 
£ 23,500 
£10,000 
6,000 
5,000 
2,000 
500 
Total 
