_Introd. in notitiam rei literariae et usum
Bibliothecae_. Jugler's edition of it contains a stiff
portrait of himself in a finely embroidered satin waistcoat.
The first volume, relating to foreign libraries, is very
interesting: but, unluckily, the work is rare. Of Struvius's
_Bibl. Saxonica_, 1736, 8vo., I never saw a copy.]
PHIL. You are advancing towards the middle of the 18th century, in
enumerating foreign publications, without calling to mind that we
have, at home, many laudable publications relating to typography and
bibliography, which merit at least some notice, if not commendation.
LYSAND. I thank you for the reproof. It is true, I was running
precipitately to introduce a crowd of foreigners to your notice,
without paying my respects, by the way, to the _Historical Libraries_
of Bishop NICOLSON, the _Bibliotheca Literaria_ of WASSE, and the
_Librarian_ of WILLIAM OLDYS. Nor should I omit to mention the still
more creditable performance of Bishop TANNER: while the typographical
publications of WATSON, PALMER, and MIDDLETON,[136] may as well be
admitted into your libraries, if you are partial to such works;
although upon this latter subject, the elegant quarto volume of AMES
merits particular commendation.
[Footnote 136: Let us go gently over this _British_ ground,
which Lysander depictures in rather a flowery manner. The
first edition of BISHOP NICOLSON'S _English Historical
Library_ was published in the years 1696, 1697, and
1699--comprehending the entire three parts. In 1702, came
forth the _Scottish_ Historical library; and in 1724, the
_Irish_ Historical Library. These three libraries, with the
author's letter to Bishop Kennet in defence of the same, are
usually published in one volume; and the last and best
editions of the same are those of 1736, fol., and 1776, 4to.
Mr. John Nichols has recently published an entertaining
posthumous work of the bishop's _Epistolary Correspondence_,
in two octavo volumes, 1809. Some of these letters throw
light and interest upon the literature of the times. As to
the authority of Bishop Nicolson, in his historical matters,
I fear the sharp things which are said of his libraries by
Tyrrell (Pref. to _Hist. Engl._, vol. ii., p. 5.), and Wood
(_Athen. Brit._, vol. ii., col. 980, ed. 1721), all which
authorities are referred to by Mr. Nichols, are suf
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