d usefulness there was only one in which it was not shown to
be equal or superior to any other system known. This objection applied
only to the arrangement on the shelves; not at all to the catalogues or
indexes. It was, that in this relative location, a book which this year
stands, e.g., at the end of a certain shelf; may not be on that shelf
at all another year, because of the uneven growth of the parts of the
library. This slight objection inheres in any system where the books
are arranged by _subjects_ rather than by windows, doors, shelves, and
similar non-intellectual distinctions.

In this hurriedly prepared account of his plan, the author has doubtless
failed to meet many objections which may be raised and which he could
easily answer. He would therefore ask the privilege of replying
personally to any such objections, where they arise, believing that it
will be possible to answer, if not all, at least a very large proportion.

In his varied reading, correspondence, and conversation on the subject,
the author doubtless received suggestions and gained ideas which it is
now impossible for him to acknowledge. Perhaps the most fruitful source
of ideas was the _Nuovo Sistema di Catalogo Bibliografico Generale_ of
Natale Battezzati, of Milan. Certainly he is indebted to this system
adopted by the Italian publishers in 1871, though he has copied nothing
from it. The plan of the St. Louis Public School Library, and that of the
Apprentices' Library of New York, which in some respects resemble his
own, were not seen till all the essential features were decided upon,
though not given to the public. In filling the nine classes of the scheme
the inverted Baconian arrangement of the St. Louis Library has been
followed. The author has no desire to claim original invention for any
part of his system where another has been before him, and would most
gladly make specific acknowledgment of every aid and suggestion were
it in his power to do so. With these general explanations and
acknowledgments he submits the scheme, hoping it may prove as useful to
others as it has to himself.

AMHERST COLLEGE LIBRARY,

June 10th, 1876.

* * * * *

Those interested will find fuller explanations and remarks in the Library
volume now being printed by the Bureau of Education at Washington.

(GENERAL)
PHILOSOPHY,
THEOLOGY,
SOCIOLOGY,
PHILOLOGY,
NATURAL SCIENCE,
USEFUL ARTS,
FINE ARTS,
LITERATURE,
HI