The British Museum - This noble mansion was bought by parliament, in the year 1752, and for these thirty years past has been open to the inspection of the public. It is situated in Great Russell-street, Bloomsbury-square.
All the different parts of this magnificent edifice are so admirably arranged, for containing its curious collections, that the British museum, may be considered with great justice, as an institution that does honour to the English nation.
Any number of persons not exceeding fifteen, who wish to see it, must send their names to the porter’s lodge, that they may be properly registered, and in a few days, tickets will be made out, specifying the day and hour, in which they are to be admitted.
The museum is divided into three grand departments. The first contains the manuscripts, medals and coins; the second the national and artificial productions: and the third, the printed books, &c. without comprehending many articles, &c. in the hall, the first room above stairs, and in other chambers.
The first apartment contains two collections of manuscripts.
The royal collection.
The Cottonian collection.
The Harleian collection, I.
The Harleian collection, II.
The Harleian collection of charters, acts of parliaments, &c. &c., III.
Sir Hans Sloane’s collection.
The second division contains natural and artificial productions.
Sir Hans Sloane’s collection.
Egyptian antiquities.
Etruscan antiquities.
Roman antiquities.
Antiquities of various kinds.
American idols.
Flints, agates, and cornelians.
Jaspers.
Apyri, sulphurs, &c.
Minerals, &c.
Vegetables, fruits, woods.
Reptiles, amphibious animals, serpents.
The last chamber of this apartment, is filled with the productions of art, arranged in cabinets.
The last division of the whole is, that which contains the printed books.
Major Edward’s library.
Sir Hans Sloane’s library, I.
Sir Hans Sloane’s library, II.
Sir Hans Sloane’s library, III.
Sir Hans Sloane’s library, IV.
Sir Hans Sloane’s library, V.
Sir Hans Sloane’s library, VI.
King’s library, I.
King’s library, II.