The Opelousas courier., 1901-02-09

EEbPaxSes Of -Four Nations with Hgsaiion

E&bFazIss OF -Four Nations with Ntiions
Of velumea.
The British Museum, SITUATED on
Great Russell street, In Leadoa, was
founded in 1853. Il contains collec-
tons OF Antiquities, drawings, prints
and o library Of about two million
volumes, $4,000 MSS. and $4,000 char
ters. The Harleian MSS. purchased
In 17SS, and the Royal Library, largely
taken from the monasteries by Henry
VIII, and $1,000 volumes given by
George III. and George ", raised the
library to q position OF great import
ance. Tho first great Egyptian acqui-
sitlon consists OF the objects taken
with the French army in 1901. The
ASsyrian, Babylonian and Greek col
leetions are undoubtedly the best in
any contemporary museum. The pres
ent building, finished in 1s47, Is one
OF the best structures Of the "classtc
revival" 1t was designed by Sir Rob-
ert Snirke. completed by his brother,
Sidney Smirke, and was commenced
very early In the nineteenth century.
About $1,000 volumes are added annu-
ally. Modern publications in Britain
are added free Of expense by receiving
gratis q copy Of every book entered at
StatioRer's Hall. La Bibliotheque Ma
c1onale, the great French library, Is
the largest in the world. 1t has been
called successfully La B~ibliotheque du
Roi, Royale, Rationale and Imperiale.
The Biblfothequs du Roi was original
ly in the Palais de la Cite, consisting
Of the library of King John. He be-
Queathed it to Charles ", who re-
moved it and collected a library Of $40
volumes in the Louvre. This was sold
to the Duke Of Bedford. Louis XI.
partly repaired this loss and added the
first results OF the new invention Of
printing. Louis XII. established it at
Blois, Incorporating it with the Or
cans library. The Gruthuyse collec-
ton was next added to 1t. Francis |.
transferred the library to F~ontaine-
bieau. and placed 1t in charge Of John
Budie. Henry II. made obligatory the
deposit Of one copy of every book pub
lished in the kingdom. Henry ".
brought it back to Paris. where it
changed In location frequently, before
resting In It's present quarters in the
Palais Mazarin. Rue Richelieu. Ma
poleoa I. increased the government
grant, and under his care the library
was much enlarged. It contains about |
three million volumes and about a
hundred thousand MSS, besides col
lections OF prints and medals. It is |
especially rich in Oriental manu-
scripts. The Royal library Of Berlin
was founded by the Great E1ector,
William, and opened in 1861.
The University Of Berlin, 1t Is not too
much to say, is the leading university
in the world. It is attended annually
by about 5000 students, and has a fac
ulty of about 800 professors and teach
ers. 1t has a most magnificent library.
The two libraries combined contain
about 1000, 900 volumes and nearly
pVJOSV NxCSs AAS dkS OA SS0ETGES,
as the National library of the United
States is called. was founded in 1890,
and is supported by the national gov
eminent. 1t contains upwards of a
volumes (250,o00 pamphlets).
provisions are made for the
yearly addition Of volumes through
purchase. and in addition, the copy
light law requires that every new pub
ication shall be deposited In the IL
orary without charge. Although the
library Of Congress is not as rich in
and rare books as It's
treat European rivals, on account of
is recent beginning. it ia lever
heless richly stocked with the books
hat can be obtained by purchase in
hsse later days, and its purchasing
committee are always alert to pick up
treasures from such private collections
s are from time to time threwn on
he market.