Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-12-23
ANCIENT LIBRARIES,
Enormous Prices Paid for Manuscript
Exchanged From Country to Country.

Exchanged From Country to Country
Prof. Lancian delivered his lecture on
Medieval and ancient libraries" in the
Lowell institute class at huntington hall
last evening, says the Boston Herald of
Dec. 4. The letter presented many in
terestlng facts. Prof. Lanciant first
spoke of the almost absolute non-exis-
tence of any written history on the sub
/ ject.
Some books written in the seventeenth
century concerning ancient libraries are
rendered useless by the recent explora-
tlons Some pamphlets have been issued
on the subject, the most recently publish
ed THIS year, and giving the results of the
explorations to date, being on this account
the most valuable. Rome's first impor-
tant library was brought from Greece,
and contained several hundred volumes.
This library had a strange history, and
suffered many vicissitudes. Ancient
authority declared that the ibrary-room,
or reading room, should be in the easter
ly portion of the house, both on account
of the early morning light, and because
there would be less danger there of moths
and mlldew damaging the precious parch-
ments, and this advice seems generally to
have been followed. The library was new
er warmed in any way as the danger of fire
|
was liable to do injury to the rolls and
their. bindings. This custom of excluding
artificial heat from the library is now
strictly adhered to in the famous library
of the Vatican, where many others of the
ancient customs are also maintained
The library was usually small, on an
average 15x20 feet, and could thus be
kept at mere even temperature. Seven
teen hundred volumes were the contests
of one library of the above dimensions.
On account of their scarcity, books com
manded high prices, and Aristotle is
quoted as having paid the equivalent of
$4,000 for single book, made up possibly
of several volumes. An Alexandrian
monarch sent to Athens for some valuable
books, of which he wished to make copies.
As he deposited $16,500 as security for
their safe return, they were lent to him.
Instead of returning the organs, however,
ne sent back the copies, thus FORGETTING
the deposit but deeming. the original
books cheaply bought at $16,500
The appearance of the Roman book
store was next described. Each book
seller was the publisher of some one popu-
lar writer, and his shelves were filed
with his writings, lot to the exclusion of
everything else, however, while the latest
works with the most attractive bindings
were conspicuously displayed. One
thousand copies were the usual edition.
The first public library was established
about % B. c., by Roman writer who
was the Mark Twain of his time. Four
years later the Emperor Augustus made
the public library a state institution. It
was largely endowed by the spoils of the
Dalmation war. Several other libraries
were soon after established, Tiberius Civ
ing wing of his palace for the purpose.
Some of the ancient libraries are report
ed as containing 100000 volumes. This
is not to be taken in the modern, for
often a single chapter or canto took
up one so-called volume. In 1921,
papyrus was found on an island in the
Nile, containing GIT verses from the
Had. It was made up Of II volumes or
rolls.
| That books were lent from the libraries
is shown by the anecdote related by the
lecturer. certain party of citizens
were discussing the Of ice to cool
the drinking water. One of the party
was strongly opposed to its use, and to
substantiate his statements against 1T
went to the neighboring library and
brought forth book of Aristotle, IN
which that ancient writer strongly de-
nounced the use of ice water, and it is re-
lated that the remainder. of the party be
come so thoroughly convinced of the
truth of his assertions that they then and
there forswore its use forever. Many of
the older libraries were destroyed either
totally or in part, by fire. The Apollo
library, which contained thousands of
volumes, was notable example. But few
of its many rolls were saved.
In September, 1883, in some explOra-
tions Prof. Lanciani discovered the ruins
of aR elegant private house, one side Of
which was wonderfully well preserved.
In the chapel were nineteen statues of the
gods. Leading from the chapel was a
stairway descending into a room for the
observance of religious ceremonies.
statue occupied the center of this room,
and around it, it was stated, seven
candles were kept burning. The re-
mains of these candles were actually
found, proving the truth of the tradition.
The library was room about 25xl5 feet,
and for perhaps ten feet from the floor
the walls were plain, while above the
decorations in stucco work, etc., were
very elaborate. The lower space was oc-
cupied by the book-shelves. The shelves
were inscribed for the different works,
compromising law, philosophy history,
medicine and others, and medallions of
the celebrated writer's ornamented the
room. Some of the ancient libraries
were supplied with these wonderful little
lamps, which ''cast light for many
hours left alone by themselves" for noe
turnal students. Sun dials were also pro-
vided. Catalogues were probably issued,
and the titles of the books themselves
were always beautifully illustrated in the
title pages. Manuscripts were sometimes
exchanged from county to county. In
this way many books were sent to the
British isles as early as COL A. D., and IN
699 the favor was returned, an English
abbott brings to Rome a manuscript,
which has been preserved, and which is
now deposited in Florence. But for one
broken link we should have an unbroken
chain of books, extending back many
centuries, in the records CT the papal de-
crees, acts and laws. This broken link is
from 1924 to 1890. In 1924 the books
were sold, and not until 1890 was the col
lection again begun by Innocent III.
The Hungary ParsOn.
Arkansaw Traveller.