A LETTER

"...the [Bodleian Library] The OCR text begins with a fragment: "leiana", which refers to the Bodleian Library at Oxford. is more studious than other nations. It is a miserable thing that so many monuments of our ancestors lie hidden in dust and darkness; it is yet more miserable that writers of all kinds come forth mutilated and corrupted; they ought to be restored to their original purity by the aid of Manuscript Codices."

These matters, brought to the Vice-Chancellor, Doctor Edwards, Head of Jesus College, and thus proposed to the Curators of the Printing Press—men spurred on for the benefit of Literature and the honor of the University—were greatly pleasing. As they deliberated on the edition, the Famous Bernard original: "Cl. Bernardus"; referring to Edward Bernard (1638–1697), the primary editor. immediately came to mind; to him, because of his infinite knowledge of books and great authority at home and abroad, the administration of the entire matter was entrusted. He indeed (even if he could have had the excuse of encroaching old age and a weak body) most willingly undertook this burden for the sake of letters, according to the goodness of his character.

Thus far, if I remember correctly, there was deliberation only concerning the Oxford Catalogs (that is, of the Bodleian Library and of each private College). Had these been gathered into one volume, the University would have published a noble work; nor would anything have been left for the common cause of Literature to demand further. However, as the fame of the undertaking spread, many began to wish that the Catalogs of Manuscript Codices in the Cathedral Churches might be added; they were pained that no account was taken of those which adorn private libraries; they insisted, finally, that it be expanded into a Universal Catalog; so that students in every subject might see at a first glance whatever aids Britain might supply. So suggested men of great eminence and talent: above the rest, the Most Reverend Father in Christ, Thomas, Archbishop of Canterbury (but at that time Bishop of Lincoln) Thomas Tenison (1636–1715), a major patron of learning and the church. so praised this proposal, as he is accustomed to doing for all things which pertain to the utility of the Church and the benefits of Literature.

a. Preface to the Catalog.

Stirred by the encouragements of these many men, the University decided to bring together all Catalogs, whether public or private, and not only from England, but also from Scotland or Ireland. And it publicly signaled that plan, a Declaration to that effect having been promulgated by the Famous Bernard. Since this was repeated so often in the London Gazettes original: "Mercuriis Londinensibus"; the 'Mercury' or 'Mercurius' was a common name for the newspapers and news-sheets of the 17th century., if any by chance have sent their catalogs too late, the University is not to be blamed. Indeed, it delayed the publication of the Book much longer than it had intended, so that it might make the work more complete, and thus deserve the gratitude of the Learned with a fuller service. We hope, meanwhile, that very few are missing, as men of all ranks have favored this institution with such wonderful inclination. The chief of these I would name (for the sake of honor), were it not that the Catalogs themselves more abundantly demonstrate both their diligence in collecting Monuments In this context, "monuments" refers to historical records and ancient manuscripts. and their kindness in sharing them. ^a Truly, before all others, Sir John Cotton, Baronet Sir John Cotton (1621–1702), whose family collection became a foundational part of the British Library. must be mentioned, possessor of a most well-equipped library; he, led by the example of this undertaking, recently published the Catalog—revised, enlarged, and polished by the most learned man Thomas Smith, Doctor of Divinity—from the Oxford press in a separate volume. Certainly, literature is to be congratulated that through the patronage of this class of men, distinguished by merits and birth, it shall have honor and authority. For in our age, we see a certain unusual momentum toward studies: and while the British foster all disciplines, in the last decade they have turned their thoughts more sharply toward English Histories and Antiquities. Nor indeed without merit: since (unless, by a hereditary error, we were to indulge too immoderately in foreign matters) we find nowhere else more ample Examples of Prudence and Fortitude.

In printing the Catalog, the greatest care that could be was applied; and if any errors have perhaps crept in, they have arisen not from anyone's negligence, but from the nature of the work itself. For in such a variety of Authors, Subjects, Places, and even handwriting—