ABSTRACT
Collections of manuscripts cannot be formed in quite the same methodical manner as a library of printed books. Their acquisition depends to a much greater extent on chance and opportunity. In forming a vast national collection like the Museum’s it may be said that the aim is to assemble, preserve and make available the written sources of the main intellectual and historical activities of the world, and especially, of course, of this country, for which the library of printed books provides the published record and the commentary.
