Chapter VIII: Part II: =The Cabinet.= (3)

[Footnote 147: The works of GUILLAUME-FRANÇOIS DE BURE
deserve a particular notice. He first published his _Musæum
Typographicum_, Paris, 1755, 12mo.; of which he printed but
TWELVE copies, and gave away every one of them (including
even his own) to his book-loving friends. It was published
under the name of G.F. Rebude. Peignot is very particular in
his information concerning this rare morçeau of
bibliography--see his _Bibliographie Curieuse_, p. 21.
Afterwards appeared the _Bibliographie Instructive_, in
seven volumes, 8vo., 1763-68--succeeded by a small volume of
a catalogue of the anonymous publications, and an essay upon
Bibliography: this 8th volume is absolutely necessary to
render the work complete, although it is frequently missing.
Fifty copies of this work were printed upon LARGE PAPER, of
a quarto size. Its merits are acknowledged by every candid
and experienced critic. In the third place, came forth his
_Catalogue des Livres, &c., de L.J. Gaignat, Paris_, 1769,
8vo., two vols.: not, however, before he had published two
brochures--"_Appel aux Savans_," _&c._, 1763, 8vo.--and
"_Reponse à une Critique de la Bibliographie Instructive_,"
1763, 8vo.--as replies to the tart attacks of the Abbé RIVE.
The Catalogue of Gaignat, and the fairness of his answers to
his adversary's censures, served to place De Bure on the
pinnacle of bibliographical reputation; while Rive was
suffered to fret and fume in unregarded seclusion. He died
in the year 1782, aged 50: and was succeeded in his
bibliographical labours by his cousin WILLIAM; who, with
Mons. Van-Praet, prepared the catalogue of the Duke de la
Valliere's library, in 1783, and published other valuable
catalogues as late as the year 1801. But both are eclipsed,
in regard to the _number_ of such publications, by their
predecessor GABRIEL MARTIN; who died in the year 1761, aged
83--after having compiled 148 catalogues since the year
1705. This latter was assisted in his labours by his son
Claude Martin, who died in 1788. See Peignot's _Dict. de
Bibliologie_, vol. i., 221, 422: vol iii., 277.]

[Footnote 148: The mention of De Bure and the Abbé RIVE
induces me to inform the reader that the _Chasse aux
Bibliographes_, Paris, 1789, 8vo., of the latter, will be
found a receptacle of almost every kind of gross abuse and
awkward wit which could be poured forth against the
respectable characters of the day. It has now become rare.
The Abbé's "_Notices calligraphiques et typographiques_," a
small tract of 16 pages--of which only 100 copies were
printed--is sufficiently curious; it formed the first number
of a series of intended volumes (12 or 15) "_des notices
calligraphiques de manuscrits des differens siécles, et des
notices typographiques de livres du quinziéme siécle_," but
the design was never carried into execution beyond this
first number. The other works of Rive are miscellaneous; but
chiefly upon subjects connected with the belles lettres. He
generally struck off but few copies of his publications; see
the _Bibliographie Curieuse_, pp. 58-9; and more
particularly the _Dictionnaire de Bibliologie_, vol. iii.,
p. 277, by the same author, where a minute list of Rive's
productions is given, and of which Fournier might have
availed himself in his new edition of the _Dict. Portatif de
Bibliographie_. From Peignot, the reader is presented with
the following anecdotes of this redoubted champion of
bibliography. When Rive was a young man, and curate of
Mollèges in Provence, the scandalous chronicle reported that
he was too intimate with a young and pretty Parisian, who
was a married woman, and whose husband did not fail to
reproach him accordingly. Rive made no other reply than that
of taking the suspicious Benedick in his arms, and throwing
him headlong out of the window. Luckily he fell upon a
dunghill! In the year 1789, upon a clergyman's complaining
to him of the inflexible determination of a great lord to
hunt upon his grounds--"_Mettez-lui une messe dans le
ventre_"--repiled [Transcriber's Note: replied] Rive. The
clergyman expressing his ignorance of the nature of the
advice given, the facetious Abbé replied, "Go and tear a
leaf from your _mass book_, wrap a musket-ball in it, and
discharge it at the tyrant." The Duke de la Valliere used to
say--when the knowing ones at his house were wrangling about
some literary or bibliographical point--"Gentlemen, I'll go
and let loose my bull dog,"--and sent into them the Abbé,
who speedily put them all to rights. Rive died in the year
1791, aged seventy-one. He had great parts and great
application; but in misapplying both he was his own
tormentor. His library was sold in 1793.]

Next to the bust of De Bure, consider those of the five Italian bibliographers and literati, HAYM, FONTANINI, ZENO, MAZZUCHELLI, and TIRABOSCHI; which are placed in the five consecutive niches. Their works are of various merit, but are all superior to that of their predecessor DONI. Although those of the first three authors should find a place in every bibliographical collection, the productions of Mazzuchelli,[149] and especially of the immortal Tiraboschi, cannot fail to be admitted into every judicious library, whether vast or confined. Italy boasts of few literary characters of a higher class, or of a more widely-diffused reputation than TIRABOSCHI.[150] His diligence, his sagacity, his candour, his constant and patriotic exertions to do justice to the reputation of his countrymen, and to rescue departed worth from ill-merited oblivion, assign to him an exalted situation: a situation with the Poggios and Politians of former times, in the everlasting temple of Fame! Bind his _Storia della Letteratura Italiana_ in the choicest vellum, or in the stoutest Russia; for it merits no mean covering!

[Footnote 149: We may first observe that "_La Libraria del_
DONI _Fiorentino_;" Vinegia, 1558, 8vo., is yet coveted by
collectors as the most complete and esteemed of all the
editions of this work. It is ornamented with many portraits
of authors, and is now rare. Consult _Bibl. Crevenn._, vol.
v., p. 275. Numerous are the editions of HAYM'S _Biblioteca
Italiana_; but those of Milan, of the date of 1771, 4to., 2
vols., and 1803, 8vo. 4 vols., are generally purchased by
the skilful in Italian bibliography. The best edition of
FONTANINI'S _Biblioteca dell' Eloquenza Italiana_ is with
the annotations of ZENO, which latter are distinguished for
their judgment and accuracy. It was published at Venice in
1753, 4to., 2 vols.; but it must be remembered that this
edition contains only the _third_ book of Fontanini, which
is a library of the principal Italian authors. All the three
books (the first two being a disquisition upon the orgin
[Transcriber's Note: origin] and progress of the Italian
language) will be found in the preceeding [Transcriber's
Note: preceding] Venice edition of 1737, in one volume 4to.
In the year 1753-63, came forth the incomparable but
unfinished work of COUNT MAZZUCHELLI, in two folio volumes,
[the latter vol. being divided into four thick parts]
entittled [Transcriber's Note: entitled]: _Gli Scrittori
d'Italia, cioé Notizie Storiche e Critiche intorno alle Vite
e agli Scritti dei Letterati Italiani_. The death of the
learned author prevented the publication of it beyond the
first two letters of the alphabet. The Count, however, left
behind ample materials for its execution according to the
original plan, which lay shamefully neglected as late as the
year 1776. See _Bibl. Crevenn._, vol. v., p. 274. This work
is rare in our own country. If the lover of Italian
philology wishes to increase his critico-literary stores,
let him purchase the _Biblioteca degli Autori Antichi Greci,
e Latini volgarizzati_, &c., of PAITONI, in five quarto
volumes, 1766: the _Notizie Istorico-Critiche &c., degli
Scrittori Viniziani_, [Transcriber's Note: corrected printer
error in original; 'degli' was misplaced on preceding line]
of AGOSTINI, Venez., 1752, 4to., 2 vols.: and the
_Letteratura Turchesca of_ GIAMBATISTA TODERINI, Venez.,
1787, 8vo., 3 vols.--works nearly perfect of their kind, and
(especially the latter one) full of curious matter.]

[Footnote 150: The best edition of his _Letteratura
Italiana_ is that of Modena, 1787-94, 4to., in fifteen
volumes, as it contains his last corrections and additions,
and has the advantage of a complete index. An excellent
account of the life and labours of its wonderful author
appeared in the fifth volume of the _Athenæum_, to the
perusal of which I strongly recommend the reader.]

The range of busts which occupies the opposite niches represents characters of a more recent date. Let us begin with MERCIER;[151] a man of extraordinary, and almost unequalled, knowledge in every thing connected with bibliography and typography; of a quick apprehension, tenacious memory, and correct judgment; who was more anxious to detect errors in his own publications than in those of his fellow labourers in the same pursuit; an enthusiast in typographical researches--the Ulysses of bibliographers! Next to him stand the interesting busts of SAXIUS and LAIRE;[152] the latter of whom has frequently erred, but who merited not such a castigation as subsequent bibliographers have attempted to bestow upon him: in the number of which, one is sorry to rank the very respectable name of AUDIFFREDI[153]--whose bust, you observe, immediately follows that of Laire. Audiffredi has left behind him a most enviable reputation: that of having examined libraries with a curious eye, and described the various books which he saw with scrupulous fidelity. There are no lively or interesting sallies, no highly-wrought, or tempting descriptions--throughout his two quarto volumes: but, in lieu of this, there is sober truth, and sound judgment. I have mentioned Audiffredi a little out of order, merely because his name is closely connected with that of Laire: but I should have first directed your attention to the sagacious countenance of HEINECKEN;[154] whose work upon ancient printing, and whose _Dictionary of Engravers_ (although with the latter we have nothing just now to do) will never fail to be justly appreciated by the collector. I regret, Lisardo, for your own sake--as you are about to collect a few choice books upon typography--that you will have so much to pay for the former work, owing to its extreme rarity in this country, and to the injudicious phrenzy of a certain class of buyers, who are resolved to purchase it at almost any price. Let me not forget to notice, with the encomiums which they deserve, the useful and carefully compiled works of SEEMILLER, BRAUN, WURDTWEIN, DE MURR, ROSSI, and PANZER, whose busts are arranged in progressive order. All these authors[155] are greatly eminent in the several departments which they occupy; especially Panzer--whose _Annales Typographici_, in regard to arrangement and fulness of information, leaves the similar work of his precedessor, Maittaire, far behind. It is unluckily printed upon wretched paper--but who rejects the pine-apple from the roughness of its coat? Get ready the wherry; man it with a choice bibliomanical crew, good Lisardo!--and smuggle over in it, if you can, the precious works of these latter bibliographers--for you may saunter "from rise to set of sun," from Whitechapel to Hyde-Park Corner--for them--in vain!

[Footnote 151: Barthelemy, MERCIER DE ST. LEGER, died in the
year 1800, and in the sixty-sixth of his age, full of
reputation, and deeply regretted by those who knew the
delightful qualities of his head and heart. It is not my
intention to enumerate _all_ his publications, the titles of
which may be found in the _Siécles Littéraires_, vol. iv.,
p. 350: but, in the present place, I will only observe that
his "_Supplement à l'Histoire de l'Imprimerie, par P.
Marchand_," was first published in 1773, and afterwards in
1775, 4to., a rare and curious work; but little known in
this country. His _Bibliothéque des Romans, traduit de
Grec_, was published in 1796, 12 vols. 12mo. His letter
concerning De Bure's work, 1763, 8vo., betrayed some severe
animadversions upon the _Bibliogr. Instruct._: but he got a
similar flagellation in return, from the Abbé Rive, in his
_Chasse aux Bibliographes_--who held him and De Bure, and
all the bibliographical tribe, in sovereign contempt. His
letter to Heinecken upon the rare editions of the 15th
century, 1783, 8vo., and his other works, I never saw in any
collection. The imperial library at Paris purchased his copy
of Du Verdier's and La Croix du Maine's Bibliothéques,
covered with his marginal annotations, as well as his copy
of Clement's _Bibl. Curieuse_. Le Blond, member of the
Institute, obtained his copy of De Bure's _Bibliographie
Instructive_, also enriched with MS. notes. Mr. Ochéda, Lord
Spencer's librarian, who knew well the Abbé de St. Leger,
informed me that he left behind him ample materials for a
History of Printing, in a new edition of his Supplement to
Marchand's work, which he projected publishing, and which
had received from him innumerable additions and corrections.
"He was a man," says Mr. Ochéda, "the most conversant with
editions of books of all kinds, and with every thing
connected with typography and bibliography, that I ever
conversed with." The reader may consult Peignot's _Dict. de
Bibliologie_, vol. i., p. 452, vol. iii., p. 212.]

[Footnote 152: The _Onomasticon Literarium_ of CHRISTOPHER
SAXIUS, _Traject. ad Rhenum_, 1775-90, seven vols. 8vo.,
with a supplement, or eighth volume, published in 1803, is
considered as a work of the very first reputation in its
way. The notices of eminent men are compendious, but
accurate; and the arrangement is at once lucid and new. An
elegantly bound copy of this scarce work cannot be obtained
for less than six and seven guineas. The first
bibliographical production of the Abbé LAIRE was, I believe,
the _Specimen Historicum Typographiæ Romanæ, xv. seculi,
Romæ_, 1778, large 8vo.; of which work, a copy printed UPON
VELLUM (perhaps unique) was sold at the sale of M.
d'Hangard, in 1789, for 300 livres. _Dictionn. Bibliogr._,
vol. iv., p. 250. In my Introduction, &c., to the Greek and
Latin Classics, some account of its intrinsic merit will be
found: vol. i., p. xviii. In the year 1784 Laire published a
"_Dissertation sur l'origine et Progrès de l'Imprimerie en
Franche-Comté_," 8vo.; and, in the year 1791, came forth his
Catalogue Raisonné of the early printed books in the library
of Cardinal de Lomenie de Brienne; under the title of
"_Index Librorum ab Inventa Typographia, ad annum 1500_," in
two octavo volumes. See the article "LOMENIE," in the list
of foreign catalogues, post. Laire was also the author of a
few other minor bibliographical productions. All the books
in his library, relating to this subject, were covered with
marginal notes; some of them very curious. See Peignot's
_Dict. de Bibliologie_, vol. i., p. 330: and _Les Siecles
Littéraires_, (1801, 8vo.) vol. iv., p. 75.]

[Footnote 153: The works and the merits of AUDIFFREDI have
been before submitted by me to the public; and Mr. Beloe, in
the third volume of his "_Anecdotes of Literature_," &c.,
has justly observed upon the latter. In Lord Spencer's
magnificent library at Althorpe, I saw a copy of the
"_Editiones Italicæ_," sec. xv., 1793, 4to., upon LARGE
PAPER. It is much to be wished that some knowing
bibliographer upon the Continent would complete this
unfinished work of Audiffredi. His _Editiones Romanæ_, sec.
xv., 1783, 4to., is one of the most perfect works of
bibliography extant: yet Laire's "_Index Librorum_," &c.
(see preceeding note), is necessary to supply the omission
of some early books printed at Rome, which had escaped even
this keen bibliographer!]

[Footnote 154: HEINECKEN'S name stands deservedly high
(notwithstanding his tediousness and want of taste) among
bibliographical and typographical antiquaries. Of his
"_Nachrichten von Kunstlern und Kunst-Sachen_," Leipzig,
1768, 8vo., two vols., (being "New Memoirs upon Artists and
the objects of Art"--and which is frequently referred to by
foreigners,) I never saw a copy. It was again published in
1786. His "_Idée Générale d'une Collection complette
d'Estampes_," &c., Leips., 1771, 8vo., is a most curious and
entertaining book; but unconscionably dear in this country.
His "_Dictionnaire des Artistes dont nous avons des
Estampes_," &c., Leips. 1778, 8vo., four vols., is an
unfinished performance, but remarkably minute as far as it
goes. The remainder, written in the German language,
continues in MS. in the Electorate library at Dresden,
forming twelve volumes. Of the character of Heinecken's
latter work, consult Huber's _Manuel, &c., des Amateurs de
l'Art_, Zurich, 1797, 8vo.: and a recent work entitled
"_Notices des Graveurs_," Paris, 1804, 8vo., two vols.
Heinecken died at the advanced age of eighty.]

[Footnote 155: We will discuss their works _seriatim_, as
Lisardo has said above. SEEMILLER'S _Bibliothecæ
Incolstadiensis Incunabula Typographica_, contains four
parts, or fasciculi: they are bound in one volume, quarto,
1787, &c.; but, unfortunately for those who love curious and
carefully executed works, it is rather rare in this country.
The _Notitia Historico-Critica de libris ab art typog.
invent._, by PLACID BRAUN, in two parts, or volumes, 1788,
4to., with curious plates, has long been a desideratum in my
own collection; and my friend Mr. Beloe, who is luckily in
possession of a copy, enjoys his triumph over me when he
discovers it not in my bibliographical boudoir. The same
author also published his "_Notitia Historico-Literaria de
cod. MSS. in Bibl. Monast. ord. S. Bened. ad SS. Vidal. et
Afram Augustæ ex tantibus_," Aug. Vindel., 1791, 4to., two
vols. _Cat. de Santander_, vol. iv., p. 170. I know not how
any well versed bibliographer can do without the
"_Bibliotheca Moguntina libris sæculo primo Tpyographico
[Transcriber's Note: Typographico] Moguntiæ impressis
instructa_;" 1787, 4to., of WURDTWEIN. It has some curious
plates of fac-similes, and is rarely seen in the Strand or
King-street book-markets.----C.T. DE MURR published a work
of some interest, entitled, "_Memorabilia Bibliothecarum
Publicarum Norimbergensium_," Norimb., 1786-91, three parts
or vols. 8vo.; which is also rare.----ROSSI'S valuable work
concerning the annals of Hebrew typography: _Annales
Hebræo-Typographici, à 1475, ad 1540_, Parmæ, 1795, 1799,
4to., two separate publications, is prettily printed by
Bodoni, and is an indispensable article in the collection of
the typographical antiquary. See the _Dict. de Bibliologie_,
vol. iii., p. 286.----PANZER'S _Annales Typographici_, in
eleven quarto volumes (1793-1803) is a work of the very
first importance to bibliographers. Its arrangement, after
the manner of Orlandi's, is clear and most convenient; and
the references to authorities, which are innumerable, are,
upon the whole, very faithful. The indexes are copious and
satisfactory. This work (of which I hear there are only
three copies upon LARGE PAPER) contains an account of books
which were printed in all parts of Europe from the year
1457, to 1536, inclusive; but it should be remembered that
the author published a distinct work in the year 1788, 4to.,
relating to books which were printed, within the same
period, in the _German Language_; and this should always
accompany the eleven Latin volumes. I will just add from it,
as a curiosity, the title and colophon (translated into
English) of the first printed book in the German
language:--"THE PUBLICATION OF DIETHERS, ELECTOR OF MAYENCE,
AGAINST COUNT ADOLPHUS OF NASSAU; _given out under our
impressed seal on Tuesday, after the fourth Sunday in
Advent, anno Domini 1462_." Consult also Wurdtwein's _Bibl.
Mogunt._, p. 80; and the authorities there referred to. It
seems doubtful whether this curious little brochure, of
which scarcely any thing more than a fragment now remains,
was printed by Fust and Schoeffer, or by Gutenberg.]

What countenances are those which beam with so much quiet, but interesting, expression? They are the resemblances of DENIS and CAMUS:[156] the former of whom is better known from his _Annalium Typographicorum Maittaire Supplementum_; and the latter very generally respected abroad, although our acquaintance with him in this country is exceedingly slight. If I mistake not, I observe the mild and modest countenance of my old acquaintance, HERBERT, in this bibliographical group of heads? Do not despise his toil[157] because it is not sprinkled with gay conceits, or learned digressions: he wrote to be useful, not to be entertaining; and so far as he went, his work was such an improvement upon his predecessor's plan as to place it quite at the head of NATIONAL TYPOGRAPHY. See yonder the sensible countenance of HARWOOD![158] the first writer in this country who taught us to consider the respective merits and demerits of the various editions of Greek and Latin authors.

[Footnote 156: MICHAEL DENIS, the translator of Ossian, and
a bibliographer of justly established eminence, was
principal librarian of the Imperial library at Vienna, and
died in the year 1800, at the age of 71. His _Supplement to
Maittaire's Typographical Annals_, in two parts or volumes,
1789, 4to., is a work of solid merit, and indispensable to
the possessor of its precursor. The bibliographical
references are very few; but the descriptions of the volumes
are minutely accurate. The indexes also are excellent. In
the year 1793, Denis published the first volume (in three
thick parts in folio) of his _Codices Manuscripti Theologici
Bibl. Palat. Vindob._; a production which the reader will
find somewhat fully described in the ensuing pages. The
second volume appeared after his death in 1801. In 1795-6,
came forth his second edition of an _Introduction to the
Knowledge of Books_, in two quarto volumes; unfortunately
written in the German language--but mentioned with
approbation in the first volume of the _Mem. de l'Inst._, p.
648. Consult also Peignot's _Dict. de Bibliologie_, vol. i.,
p. 122; ii., 232.----ARMAND GASTON CAMUS is a bibliographer
of very first rate reputation. The reader has only to peruse
the following titles of some of his works, and he will
certainly bewail his ill fortune if they are not to be found
in his library. 1. _Observations sur la distribution et le
classement des livres d'une Bibliothéque_: 2. _Additions aux
mêmes_; 3. _Memoire sur un livre Allemand_ (which is the
famous TEWRDANNCKHS; and about which is to be hoped that Mr.
Douce will one day favour us with his curious remarks): 4.
_Addition au même_: 5. _Memoire sur l'histoire et les
procédés du Polytypage et de la Stéréotypie_: 6. _Rapport
sur la continuation de la Collection des Historiens de
France, et de celle des Chartres et Diplomes_: 7. _Notice
d'un livre imprimé à Bamberg en 1462_. All these works are
thus strung together, because they occur in the first three
volumes of the _Memoires de l'Institut_. This curious book,
printed at Bamberg, was discovered by a German clergyman of
the name of Stenier, and was first described by him in the
_Magasin Hist.-Litt., bibliogr._ Chemintz, 1792: but Camus's
memoir is replete with curious matter, and is illustrated
with fac-simile cuts. In the "_Notices et Extraits des MSS.
de la Bibl. Nationale_," vol. vi., p. 106, will be found a
most interesting memoir by him, relating to two ancient
manuscript bibles, in two volumes folio, adorned with a
profusion of pictures: of some of which very elegant
fac-similes are given. These pictures are 5152 in number!
each of them having a Latin and French verse beautifully
written and illuminated beneath.--Camus supposes that such a
work could not now be executed under 100,000 francs!--"Where
(exclaims he) shall we find such modern specimens of
book-luxury?" In the year 1802, he published an admirable
"_Mémoire sur la collection des grands et petits voyages, et
sur la Collection des Voyages des Melchesedech Thevenot_,"
4to., with an excellent "Table des Matières." Of his own
journey into the Low Countries, recently published, I never
met with a copy. All the preceding works, with the exception
of the last, are in my own humble collection.]

[Footnote 157: A short bibliographical memoir of HERBERT
will be found in the first volume of my edition of the
_Typographical Antiquities of Great Britain_. Since that was
published, I have gleaned a few further particulars relating
to him, which may be acceptable to the reader. Shortly after
the appearance of his third volume, he thus speaks in a
letter to Mr. Price, librarian of the Bodleian library, "If
at any time you meet with any book of which I have not taken
notice, or made any mistake in the description of it, your
kind information will be esteemed a favour; as I purpose to
continue collecting materials for a future publication, when
enough shall be collected to make another volume." This was
in April, 1790. In the ensuing month he thus addresses his
old friend Mr. White, of Crickhowell, who, with himself, was
desperately addicted to the black-letter. "To morrow my wife
and self set out for Norfolk to take a little relaxation for
about a fortnight. I hope my labours will in some good
measure answer the expectation of my friends and subscribers
in general. Sure I am my best endeavours have been exerted
for that purpose. I have been 24 years collecting materials;
have spent many a fair pound, and many a weary hour; and it
is now ten years since the first part was committed to the
press. I purpose to continue collecting materials in order
to a fourth volume, &c.;--yet by no means will I make myself
debtor to the public when to publish: if it shall please God
to take me to himself, Isaac will in due time set it forth.
However I shall keep an interleaved copy for the purpose."
In a letter to a Mr. John Banger Russell (in Dorsetshire),
written in the ensuing month of June, the same sentiments
and the same intention are avowed. Thus ardent was the
bibliomaniacal spirit of Herbert in his 72d year! The
_interleaved copy_ here alluded to (which was bound in six
volumes 4to., in Russia binding, and for which Mr. Gough had
given Herbert's widow 52_l._ 10_s._) is now in my
possession; as well as the yet more valuable acquisition of
some numerous MS. addenda to his History of Printing--both
of these articles having been purchased by me at the sale of
Mr. Gough's MSS. and printed books, A.D. 1810.]

[Footnote 158: Dr. EDWARD HARWOOD published the fourth and
last edition of his "_View of the various editions of the
Greek and Roman Classics_," in the year 1790, 8vo. A work
which, in the public estimation, has entitled its author's
memory to very considerable respect in the classical world;
although the late Professor Porson, in the fly leaf of a
copy of my second edition of a similar publication, was
pleased to call the Doctor by a name rather unusually harsh
with _him_, who was "Criticus et lenis et acutus;" censuring
also my dependance upon my predecessor. In the year 1808,
was published my third edition of "_An introduction to the
knowledge of rare and valuable editions of the Greek and
Latin Classics_," two volumes 8vo.: in which, if I may
presume to talk of anything so insignificant, I have
endeavoured to exhibit the opinions--not of Dr. Harwood
alone, but of the most eminent foreign critics and
editors--upon the numerous editions which, in a
chronological series, are brought before the reader's
attention. The remarks of the first bibliographers in Europe
are also, for the first time in a English publication,
subjoined; so that the lover of curious, as well as of
valuable, editions may be equally gratified. The
authorities, exceedingly numerous as well as respectable,
are referred to in a manner the most unostentatious; and a
full measure of text, and to be really useful, was my design
from the beginning to the end of it. To write a long and
dull homily about its imperfections would be gross
affectation. An extensive sale has satisfied my publishers
that its merit a little counterbalances its defects.]

LIS. You are, no doubt, a fond and partial critic in regard to the works of Herbert and Harwood: but I am glad to recognise my fellow countrymen in such an illustrious assemblage. Go on.

LYSAND. We are just at the close. But a few more busts, and those very recently executed, remain to be noticed. These are the resemblances of LA SERNA SANTANDER, CAILLEAU, and OBERLIN;[159] while several vacant niches remain to be filled up with the busts of more modern bibliographers of eminence: namely, of VAN-PRAET, FISCHER, LAMBINET, RENOUARD, PEIGNOT, FOURNIER, BARBIER, BOUCHER, and BRUNET.[160]

[Footnote 159: DE LA SERNA SANTANDER will always hold a
distinguished place amongst bibliographers, not only from
the care and attention with which he put forth the catalogue
of his own books--the parting from which must have gone near
to break his heart--but from his elegant and useful work
entitled, "_Dictionnaire Bibliographique choisi du quinzieme
Siécle_," 1805, &c., 8vo., in three parts or volumes. His
summary of researches, upon the invention of printing, Mr.
Edwards told me, he read "with complete satisfaction"--this
occupies the first part or volume. The remaining volumes
form a necessary, as well as brilliant, supplement to De
Bure. Just at this moment, I believe that Mr. Beloe's, and
my own, copy of the work, are the only ones in this
country.----CAILLEAU has the credit of being author of the
_Dictionnaire Bibliographique_, &c., in three volumes,
octavo, 1790--of which there are a sufficient number of
counterfeited and faulty re-impressions; but which, after
all, in its original shape, edit. 1790, is not free from
gross errors; however useful it is in many respects. I
suspect, however, that the Abbé DUCLOS had the greater share
in this publication: but, be this as it may, the fourth
supplemental volume (by the younger Brunet) is, in every
respect, a more accurate and valuable performance. OBERLIN,
librarian of the central school or college at Strasbourg, is
author of a bibliographical treatise particularly deserving
of the antiquary's attention: namely, _Essai d'annales de la
vie de Jean Gutenburg [Transcriber's Note: Gutenberg], &c._,
Stasb. [Transcriber's Note: Strasb.], an. ix., 8vo. His
other numerous (belles-lettres) works are minutely specified
by Peignot in his _Dict. de Bibliologie_, vol. iii., p. 230.
His edition of Horace, Argent., 1788, 4to., is both elegant
and correct.]

[Footnote 160: Let us go quietly through the modern French
school of bibliography.----Mons. JOSEPH VAN-PRAET is
principal librarian of the Imperial collection at Paris, and
is justly called, by some of his fellow-labourers in the
same career, "one of the first bibliographers in Europe." He
is known to me, as a bibliographical writer, only by the
part which he took, and so ably executed, in the Valliere
catalogue of 1783. Peignot informs us that M. Van-Praet is
now busy in composing a little work--which I am sure will
rejoice the hearts of all true bibliomaniacs to be apprised
of--called a _Catalogue raisonné_ of books PRINTED UPON
VELLUM; for which he has already prepared not fewer than
2000 articles! See the _Curiosités Bibliogr._, p. iij. Among
these VELLUM articles, gentle reader, I assure thee that
thine eyes will be blest with the description of "THE SHYP
OF FOOLES," printed by Pynson, 1509! The urbanity and
politeness of this distinguished librarian are equal to his
knowledge.----GOTTHELF FISCHER, a Saxon by birth, and
librarian of the public collection at Mentz, has given us
the following interesting treatises, of which, I believe,
not five copies are to be found in this country:
namely--_Essai sur les Monumens Typographiques de Jean
Gutenberg, &c._, an. x. [1801], 4to.: and _Descriptions de
raretés typographiques et de Manuscrits remarquables, &c._,
Nuremb., 1801, 8vo.--the latter is in the German language,
and has cuts--with a portrait of Fust. By this time, the
work has most probably been translated into French, as it is
frequently referred to and highly spoken of by foreigners.
Peignot [_Dict. de Bibliologie_, vol. iii., p. 128] refers
us to the fine eulogy pronounced upon Fisher [Transcriber's
Note: Fischer] (not yet 40 years of age) by Camus, in his
"Voyage dans les departemens réunis," p. 12.----LAMBINET
will always be remembered and respected, as long as printing
and bibliography shall be studied, by his "_Recherches
Historiques Littéraires et Critiques, sur l'Originè de
L'Imprimerie; particulièrement sur les premiers
établissemens au_ XVme _siécle dans la Belgique_," &c.,
Brux., an. vii. (1798), 8vo. It is, indeed, a very
satisfactory performance: the result of judgment and
taste--rare union!----In like manner, RENOUARD has procured
for himself a bibliographical immortality by his _Annales de
l'Imprimerie des Aide_, 1803, 8vo., two vols.: a work almost
perfect of its kind, and by many degrees superior to
Bandini's dry _Annales Typog. Juntarum._, Lucæ, 1761. In
Renouard's taste, accuracy and interest are delightfully
combined; and the work is printed with unrivalled beauty.
There were only six copies of it printed upon LARGE PAPER;
one of which I saw in the fine collection of the Rt. Hon. T.
Grenville.----Few modern bibliographers have displayed so
much diligence as GABRIEL PEIGNOT: from whom we have, 1.
_Dictionnaire Raisonné de Bibliologie_, Paris, 1802, 8vo.,
two vols., with a third, by way of supplement (1804). With
necessary corrections and additions, this work would answer
many useful purposes in an English translation. 2. _Essai de
Curiosités Bibliographiques_, 1804, 8vo. This is a very
amusing (but scarce and unconscionably dear) book. It
contains elaborate descriptions of many curious and
sumptuous works, which were sold for 1000 and more livres at
public sales. 3. _Dictionnaire, &c., des principaux livres
condamnés au feu, supprimés ou censurés_, Paris, 1806, 8vo.,
2 vols. The very title of such a work must sharpen the edge
of curiosity with those bibliomaniacs who have never seen
it. 4. _Bibliographie Curieuse, ou Notice Raisonnée des
livres imprimés a cent exemplaires au plus, suivie d'une
notice de quelques ouvrages tirés sur papier de couleur_,
Paris, 1808, 8vo. Only one hundred copies of this thin
volume were struck off: of which I possess the 86th copy,
according to Peignot's notification. Indeed I am fortunate
in having all his preceding works. Let us wish long life and
never-failing success to so brave a book-chevalier as
Gabriel Peignot.----FRANÇOIS IGNACE FOURNIER, at 18 years of
age, published an elegantly printed little volume, entitled
_Essai Portatif de Bibliographie_, 1796, 8vo., of which only
26 copies were struck off. In the year 1805, this essay
assumed the form of a Dictionary, and appeared under the
title of _Dictionnaire portatif de Bibliographie, &c._,
8vo., comprising 17,000 articles, printed in a very small
character. Last year, in the month of May, Fournier put
forth a new edition of this _Dictionnaire_, considerably
augmented; but in which (such is the fate of bibliographical
studies) notwithstanding all the care of the author, Brunet
tells us that he has discovered not fewer than five hundred
errors! Let not Fournier, however be discouraged; in a few
years he will achieve something yet more worthy of his
laudable seal in bibliography.----ANTOINE-ALEXANDRE BARBIER,
librarian of the Council of State, has favoured us with an
admirably well executed work, entitled _Dictionnaire des
Ouvrages Anonymes et Pseudonymes, composés, traduits ou
publiés en Français, &c., accompagneé de notes historiques
et critiques_, Paris, _Imprimis Bibliogr._, 1806, 8vo., two
vols. See also art. "Conseil d'Etat," in the list of French
Catalogues, post. From these the reader will judge of the
warm thanks to which this eminent bibliographer is entitled
for his very useful labours.----G. BOUCHER de la Richarderie
has, in an especial manner, distinguished himself by his
_Bibliothéque Universelle des Voyages_, Paris, 1808, 8vo.,
six vols.: a work executed with care, minuteness, and
considerable interest. Some of its extracts are, perhaps,
unnecessarily long. The index to the sixth volume will lead
the reader to consult an account of some of the most
ancient, rare, and curious publications of voyages which
have ever appeared: and Boucher "has deserved well" of the
book world by this truly valuable and almost indispensable
performance.----BRUNET Le Fils. This able writer, and
enthusiastic devotee to bibliography, has recently published
an excellent and copious work which would appear greatly to
eclipse Fournier's; entitled "_Manuel du Libraire et de
l'Amateur de Livres, contenant, 1. Un Nouveau Dictionnaire
Bibliographigue, 2. Une Table en forme de Catalogue
Raisonnée_," Paris, 1810, 8vo., 3 vols.: in which he tells us
he has devoted at least thirty years to the examination of
books. The first two volumes form a scientific arrangement:
the latter is an alphabetical one, referring to one or the
other of the preceding volumes for a more copious account of
the work. It must be confessed that Brunet has, in this
publication, executed a difficult task with great ability.]

LIS. I am quite anxious to possess the publications of these moderns: but you say nothing of their comparative value with the ancients.

LYSAND. Generally speaking, in regard to discoveries of rare books and typographical curiosities, the moderns have the advantage. They have made more rational conclusions, from data which had escaped their predecessors: and the sparkling and animated manner in which they dress out the particular objects that they describe renders the perusal of their works more pleasant and gratifying. I am not sure that they have the learning of the old school: but their works are, in general, less ponderous and repulsive. The ancient bibliographers were probably too anxious to describe every thing, however minute and unimportant: they thought it better to say too much than too little; and, finding the great mass of readers in former times, uninstructed in these particular pursuits, they thought they could never exhaust a subject by bringing to bear upon it every point, however remotely connected! They found the plain, it is true, parched and sandy; but they were not satisfied with pouring water upon it, 'till they had converted it into a deluge.[161]

[Footnote 161: What Denis says, in the preface to his
_Catalog. Cod. MSS. Bibl. Palat. Vindob._ (of which see p.
65, ante) is very just; "media incedendum via; neque nudis
codicum titulis, ut quibusdam bibliothecis placuit, in
chartam conjectis provehi multum studia, neque _doctis, quæ
superioris seculi fuit intemperantia, ambagibus et
excursibus_."--This is certainly descriptive of the OLD
SCHOOL of bibliography.]

LIS. Let me ask you, at this stage of our inquiries, what you mean by bibliographical publications?--and whether the works of those authors which you have enumerated are sufficient to enable a novice, like myself, to have pretty accurate notions about the rarity and intrinsic value of certain works?

LYSAND. By bibliographical publications, I mean such works as give us some knowledge of the literary productions, as well as of the life, of certain learned men; which state the various and the best editions of their lucubrations; and which stimulate us to get possession of these editions. Every biographical narrative which is enriched with the mention of curious and rare editions of certain works is, to a great extent, a bibliographical publication. Those works which treat professedly upon books are, of course, immediately within the pale of bibliography.

LIS. But am I to be satisfied with the possession of those works already recommended?

PHIL. I suppose Lisardo has heard of certain valuable CATALOGUES, and he wishes to know how far the possession of these may be requisite in order to make him a bibliographer?

LYSAND. At present I will say nothing about the catalogues of the collections of our own countrymen. As we have been travelling principally abroad, we may direct our attention to those which relate to foreign collections.

And first, let us pay a due tribute of praise to the published Catalogues of Libraries collected by the JESUITS: men of shrewd talents and unabating research, and in derogation of whose merits Voltaire and D'Alembert disgraced themselves by scribbling the most contemptible lampoons. The downfall of this society led, not very indirectly, to the destruction of the ancient French monarchy. Men seemed to forget that while the most shameless depredations were committed within the libraries of the Jesuits, the cause of learning, as well as of liberty, suffered,--and the spoils which have glittered before our eyes, as the precious relics of these collections, serve to afford a melancholy proof how little those men stick at any thing who, in raising the war-whoop of liberty and equality, tear open the very bowels of order, tranquillity, peace, and decorum! But, to the subject. Let the catalogues of PUBLIC COLLECTIONS, when they are well arranged, be received into your library. Of foreign PRIVATE COLLECTIONS, the catalogues[162] of DU FRESNE, CORDES, HEINSIAS, BALUZE, COLBERT, ROTHELIN, DE BOZE, PREFOND, POMPADOUR, GAIGNAT, GOUTTARD, BUNAU, SOUBISE, LA VALLIERE, CREVENNA, LAMOIGNON, and of several other collections, with which my memory does not just now serve me, will enable you to form a pretty correct estimate of the _marketable value_ of certain rare and sumptuous publications. Catalogues are, to bibliographers, what _Reports_ are to lawyers: not to be read through from beginning to end--but to be consulted on doubtful points, and in litigated cases. Nor must you, after all, place too strong a reliance upon the present prices of books, from what they have produced at former sales; as nothing is more capricious and unsettled than the value of books at a public auction. But, in regard to these catalogues, if you should be fortunate enough to possess any which are printed upon _Large Paper, with the Names of the Purchasers, and the Prices_ for which each set of books was sold, thrice and four times happy may you account yourself to be, my good Lisardo!

[Footnote 162: As it would have required more breath than
usually falls to the lot of an individual, for Lysander to
have given even a rough sketch of the merits, demerits, and
rarity of certain foreign catalogues of public and private
collections--in his discourse with his friends--I have
ventured to supply the deficiency by subjoining, in the
ensuing _tolerably copious_ note, a list of these
catalogues, alphabetically arranged; as being, perhaps, the
most convenient and acceptable plan. Such an attempt is
quite novel; and must be received, therefore, with many
grains of allowance. Although I am in possession of the
greater number (at least of two thirds) of the catalogues
described, I am aware that, in regard to the description of
those not in my own library, I subject myself to the lash of
P. Morhof. "Inepti sunt, qui librorum catalogos scribunt e
catalogis. Oculata fides et judicium præsens requiritur."
_Polyhist. Literar._, vol. i., 230. But the weight of my
authorities will, I trust, secure me from any great violence
of critical indignation. To render so dry a subject (the
very "_Hortus Siccus_" of bibliography) somewhat palatable,
I have here and there besprinkled it with biographical
anecdotes of the collectors, and of the state of French
literature in the last century and a half.----D'AGUESSEAU.
_Catalogue des Livres Imprimés et Manuscrits de la
Bibliothéque de feu Monsieur D'Aguesseau_, &c., Paris, 1785,
8vo. "Anxious to enrich his collection, (says the compiler
of this catalogue) the Bibliomaniac sees with delight the
moment arrive when, by the sale of a library like this, he
may add to his precious stores. It is, in truth, a grand
collection; especially of history, arts, and sciences, and
jurisprudence. The famous Chancellor D'Aguesseau laid the
foundation of this library, which was as universal as his
own genius." It would appear that the son, to whom the
collection latterly belonged, was gracious in the extreme in
the loan of books; and that, in consequence, a public
advertisement was inserted at the foot of the "Avis
preliminaire," to entreat those, who had profited by such
kindness, to return their borrowed (shall I say stolen?)
goods? For want of these volumes, many sets of books were
miserably defective.----ANONYMIANA. _Catalogus Bibliothecæ
Anonymianæ, in quo libri rariores recensentur, una cum notis
litterariis_, Norimb., 1738, 8vo. This is a catalogue of
value, and may be well ranged with its brethren upon the
bibliographer's shelf. Another "_Bibliotheca Anonymiana_,"
was published ten years preceding the present one; at the
Hague, in three parts, one vol., 8vo.: which, in the _Bibl.
Solger._, vol iii., no. 1388, is said to contain many
rare books: see also no. 1370, _ibid._----D'ARTOIS.
_Catalogue des Livres du Cabinet de Monseigneur Le Compte
D'Artois_, Paris, 1783, 8vo. Very few copies of this
catalogue, which is printed in a wide octavo page,
resembling that of a quarto, were struck off: according to
Fournier's _Dict. Portat. de Bibliogr._, p. 120, edit. 1809.
See also _Cat. de Boutourlin_, no. 3876.----AUGUSTANA.
_Catalogus Bibliothecæ inclytæ Reipubl. Augustanæ utriusque
linguæ tum Græcæ tum Latinæ librorum et impressorum et manu
exaratorum._ Aug. Vindel., 1600, fol. Morhof informs us that
this catalogue, of which Hoeschelius was the compiler,
contains an account of some manuscripts which have never
been printed, as well as of some which Marcus Velserus
published. It is, moreover, full of precious bibliographical
matter; but unfortunately (the possessor of it may think
otherwise) only ONE HUNDRED COPIES were struck off.
_Polyhist. Literar._, vol. i., 211. I find, however, some
little difficulty about distinguishing this catalogue of the
Augsbourg library from the impression of 1633, fol., which
Vogt mentions at p. 323, and of which he also talks of 100
copies being printed. It should not be forgotten that
Hoeschelius published an admirable catalogue of the Greek
MSS. in the library of Augsbourg, 1595, and again 1605, in
4to. Colomiés pronounces it a model in its way. _Bibl.
Choisie_, p. 194-5. The catalogue of the Greek MSS. in the
library of the Duke of Bavaria, at Munich, was published
about the same period; namely, in 1602: the compiler was a
skilful man, but he tells us, at the head of the catalogue,
that the MSS. were open to the inspection of every one who
had any work in hand, provided he were a _Roman Catholic_!
This was being very kind to protestants! _Jugemens des
Savans_, vol. ii., part i., p. 215, edit. 1725. See also
Vogt's _Catalog. Libror. Rarior._, p. 232.----AUGUSTANA.
_Notitia historica-literaria de libris ab artis typographicæ
inventione usque ad annum, 1478, impressis, in Bibliotheca
Monasterii ad SS. Udalricum et Afram Augustæ extantibus._
August, Vindel, 1788, 4to. This volume, which I have no
doubt would gratify the curious bibliographer, it has never
been my good fortune to meet with. It is here introduced
upon the authority of the _Cat. du Cardinal de Loménie_,
no. 2647: ed. 1797. I ought not to close this account of
the Augsbourg catalogues of books, without remarking, on the
authority of Reimannus, that the _first_ published catalogue
of books is that which Villerius, a bookseller at Augsburg,
put forth in the year 1564. See the _Bibl. Acroam._, p.
5.----AURIVILLIUS. _Catalogus Bibliothecæ quam collegerat
Carolus Aurivillius_, sectio [Transcriber's Note: section]
i. and ii., Upsal, 1787, 8vo. This catalogue contains a
plentiful sprinkling of short literary and bibliographical
notes; according to _Bibl. Krohn_, p. 256, no.
3582.----BADENHAUPT. _Bibliotheca selectissima; sive
Catalogus librorum magnam partem philologicorum, quos inter
eminent. Auctores Græci et Romani classica quos collegit
E.F. Badenhaupt_, Berol, 1773, 8vo. The pithy
bibliographical notes which are here and there scattered
throughout this catalogue, render it of estimation in the
opinion of the curious.----BALUZE. _Bibliotheca Balusiana;
seu catalogus librorum bibliothecæ D.S. Baluzii, A. Gab.
Martin_, Paris, 1719, 8vo., two vols. Let any enlightened
bibliographers read the eulogy upon the venerable Baluze
(who died in his eighty-eighth year, and who was the great
Colbert's librarian), in the preface of the _Bibl.
Colbertina_ (vide post), and in the _Dict. Hist._ (Caen,
1789, vol. i., p. 443-4), and he will not hesitate a moment
about the propriety of giving this volume a conspicuous
place upon his shelf. From the _Bibl. Mencken_, p. 10, it
would appear that a third volume, containing translations of
some MSS. in the royal library, is wanting to make this
catalogue complete. This third volume is
uncommon.----BARBERINI. _Index Bibliothecæ Francisci
Barberini Cardinalis. Romæ, Typis Barberinis_, 1681, fol.,
three vols. in two. The widely spread celebrity of Cardinal
Barberini suffers no diminution from this publication of the
riches contained within his library. The authors are
arranged alphabetically, and not according to classes.
Although it be not the most luminous in its arrangement, or
the most accurate in its execution, this finely printed
catalogue will never remain long upon a bookseller's shelf
without a purchaser. It were much to be desired that our own
noblemen, who have fine collections of books, would put
forth (after the example of Cardinal Barberini) similar
publications.----BARTHELEMY. _Catalogue des Livres de la
Bibliothéque de M. l'Abbé Barthelemy, par M. Bernard_, 1800,
8vo. The high reputation of the owner of this collection
will always secure purchasers for this catalogue of useful
and interesting books.----BIBLIOGRAPHIE _des Pays Bas, avec
quelques notes. Nyon, en Suisse_, 1783, 4to. Only fifty
copies of this work were printed. It is a pity that Peignot,
who gives us this information, does not accompany it with
some account of the nature and merits of the work--which
probably grew out of the _Histoire Littéraire des Pays
Blas_, 1725, in three folio volumes. _Bibl. Curieuse_, p.
10.----BODLEIAN. _Catalog. Libr. Bibl. Publ., &c., in Acad.
Oxon._, 1605, 4to. _Catal. Libr. Impr._, 1674, fol.
_Catalogi Libror. MSS. Angl. et Hibern._, 1697, fol.
_Catalogus Impress. Libror. Bibl. Bodl._, 1733, fol., two
vols. Although none but catalogues of foreign public and
private collections were intended to be noticed in this
list, the reader will forgive a little violation of the rule
laid down by myself, if I briefly observe upon the
catalogues of the Bodleian library and the British Museum.
[For the latter, vide 'MUSEUM.'] The first of these Bodleian
catalogues contains an account of the MSS. It was prepared
by Dr. James, the editor of the Philobiblion of De Bury
(vide p. 30, ante), and, as it was the first attempt to
reduce to "lucid order" the indigested pile of MSS.
contained in the library, its imperfections must be
forgiven. It was afterwards improved, as well as enlarged,
in the folio edition of 1697, by Bernard; which contains the
MSS. subsequently bequeathed to the library by Selden,
Digby, and Laud, alone forming an extensive and valuable
collection. The editor of Morhof (vol. i., 193, n.) has
highly commended this latter catalogue. Let the purchaser of
it look well to the frontispiece of the portraits of Sir
Thomas Bodley and of the fore-mentioned worthies, which
faces the title-page; as it is frequently made the prey of
some prowling Grangerite. The first catalogue of the
_Printed Books_ in the Bodleian library was compiled by the
celebrated orientalist, Dr. Hyde: the second by Fisher: of
these, the latter is the more valuable, as it is the more
enlarged. The plan adopted in both is the same: namely, the
books are arranged alphabetically, without any reference to
their classes--a plan fundamentally erroneous: for the chief
object in catalogues of public collections is to know what
works are published upon particular subjects, for the
facility of information thereupon--whether our inquiries
lead to publication or otherwise: an alphabetical index
should, of course, close the whole. It is with reluctance my
zeal for literature compels me to add that a _Catalogue
Raisonnée of the Manuscripts and Printed Books in the
Bodleian Library_ is an urgent desideratum--acknowledged by
every sensible and affectionate son of ALMA MATER. Talent
there is, in abundance, towards the completion of such an
honourable task; and the only way to bring it effectually
into exercise is to employ heads and hands enough upon the
undertaking. Let it be remembered what Wanley and Messrs.
Planta and Nares have done for the Cottonian and Harleian
MSS.--and what Mr. Douce is now doing for those of the
Lansdowne collection! One gentleman alone, of a very
distinguished college, in whom the acuteness and solidity of
Porson seem almost revived, might do wonders for the Greek
MSS., and lend an effectual aid towards the arrangement of
the others. The printed books might be assigned, according
to their several classes, to the gentlemen most conversant
with the same; and the numerous bibliographical works,
published since the catalogue of 1733, might be occasionally
referred to, according to the plan observed in the _Notitia
Editionum vel Primariæ, &c., in Bibl. Bodl. Oxon._, 1795,
8vo.; which was judiciously drawn up by the Bishop of
London, and the Rev. Dr. William Jackson. I am aware that
the aged hands of the present venerable librarian of the
Bodleian library can do little more than lay the
foundation-stone of such a massive superstructure; but even
this would be sufficient to enrol his name with the
Magliabecchis and Baillets of former times--to entitle him
to be classed among the best benefactors to the library--and
to shake hands with its immortal founder, in that place
where are

et amoena vireta
Fortunatorum nemorum, sedesque beatæ.