Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1855-08-14
Literary Curiosities mt the X oy al Library
of Berlin.

Literary Curiosities at the Roy al Library
of Berlin.
correspondent of the Boston Iravelier, writ
ing from Berlin, Prussia, July I'd, 1855, says of
the Royal Library and its literary curiosites:
wish to speak in this letter somewhat at
length of this splendid library, and there are three
things TO which will call the reader s attention
tile arrangement and extent of the rooms which
contain it, the collection of curosities, and the
admirable regulations which govern the taking
out of books.
1t is unquestonably of the finest libraries
in Europe. Ten years ago it contained over
900 volumes, and the present number is not
thought to be much, if any, under 600 900. The
building itself is one of the two prominent ones
which date from the time of Frederick the Great
The other is the University Frederick seems
not to have been Prince of great taste He
took chest of drawers as his model in building
this library. The front is deliberately ornament
ed with pillars of the Corinthian order, but the
resemblance to the object of Frederick's within is
only too obvious.
The books are not contained in one hall, but in
an extensive suite of rooms. These rooms are
filled with racks for the books, and the general
subject is placed in conspicuous letters at the top
of every case of shelves. Books Of all languages
thus brought into the closest contact, and the
scholar of particular science has but TO resort
to that part of the library where his favorte
the best works, in whatever language published
Ii is great misfortune that so fine library has
no public catalogue. Ii is supposed to be UNI
needed, but one who has been accustomed TO Sc
lect from well-arranged catalogue, and TO re-
fresh his memory by consulting its pages instead
of endcavoring TO call up from his own mind the
books Of which he is in need, soon misses this
valuable auxiliary.
stood some time at the place where the pla-
card America showed the particular representa-
ton which the United States makes to this great
collection. There many familiar names
there, but must say it, in a state of the utmost
confusion TO subject matter. The general
ignorance of the English language which pre-
walls here accounts for it. A scientific treatise
finds its proper place with certainty because
title containing words of Latin origin is readily
understood, but works of more popular char
acter are thrown together without much dis
elimination. In library enc Of the chief excel
lencies is the generally systematic arrangement
of its books; Loring's Hundred Orators finds
itself next TO the Lamplghter, and Major Dow
nng's Letters and the Boston School Reports
are in an agreeable contguity.
The literary curiosties are contained in a sepa-
rate room. ! remarked about fifteen of special
interest; these contained in about five cases.
and are admirably arranged for inspection. i
will give brief summary of the contents. The
first contained collection of manuscript writ
ings from'some Of the most distinguished men
whom trerWany mas prOuuceds from CUtne,
Leibnizt, Frederick the Great, klopstock Les
sing, Wilhelm Won Humboldt Frederick Schle-
gel, and few others. There were three speci-
mems from Ggthe's pen; very ndstinct, but
yet written, ] should Judge, with some care.
Corrections were frequent; in one place the word
had been twice corrected. Frederick apparently
wrote in great haste; the signature, however,
was more carefully executed. Humboldt wrote
n fine hand, perfectly free from blots and without
corrections Lessing's was much the same, but
corrected in many places. Klopstock wrote with
trembling hand, and his, manuscript is read
with great difficulty.
In another curiosites of very diff
ferent nature. Here are the Bible and the prayer
book Of Charles the First; the former was placed
to his lips at the moment before his execution.
How it came into the possession Of the Prussan
government ] do not know. The Bible is of very
unpretendng appearance, but the prayer-book is
very beautifully bound-its cover is of tortoise
shell, secured by massive gold clasps. Luther's
Hebrew Bible, and his own German translation,
are here too, and close by sheet from the
formers pen. The writing is bold and free. In
the next case TO make strong contrast, s one
of Tetzel's famous indulgences, and letter from
that great man, Ignatius Loyola, the founder of
the order of Jesus. Other objects of interest are
Zwng's Bible, a specimen Of Melancthon 5
hand writing, very old copy of the Koran, and
beautiful series of portraits or the leading re-
formers, from the pencil Of Louis Cranach. For
Luthers own copy Of the Old Testament the
English government has offered 100000.
In another room are TO be seen two philosoph-
cal curiosites, which usually excite great interest.
They are the first airpump and the Magdeburg
hemispheres both invented by Otto Guerike.
The air-pump is an odd looking contrivance, with
not the slightest resemblance to the elegant
double barrelled ones Of these days Its single
barrel is perpendicular, and is supported by a
tripod. The handle is long and ungainly but il
must have been an effective machine, from the
account which is given Of the results of its action
The famous hemspheres stand close by the pump.
Every person who has studied natural philosophy
in schools, will remember that IT required
twenty horses to draw them apart. The sphere
which they together form is about two feet in
diameter, This is the only public library in Ber-
lin. All persons are allowed to avail themselves