Page:The library a magazine of bibliography and library literature, Volume 6.djvu/18

 6 had attended their first efforts. Among these the formation of a library naturally occupied a place, and with some pride they were able to report that by gift and purchase they had accumulated a stock of not less than 500 volumes "of real importance." This jubilant tone, unfortunately, was not long maintained. In less than three years the institution was in pecuniary difficulties, and with some justice and evident bitterness the directors had to lament the apathy and neglect of those for whose special benefit the institution was founded, as well as the want of countenance and support from their wealthier fellow-citizens. For some years after this outburst of feeling the institution seems to have been in a somewhat comatose condition, but again, in 1837, we find it asserting itself in a vigorous fashion on a broader base, and with an enlarged scope of objects and interests. In this reawakening the library shared. Its stock was now 1,100 volumes, specially rich, it would seem, in works of natural philosophy and chemistry and" the arts depending on them, excelling in this respect, it was alleged, the library of any mechanics' institution in Scotland. To add to the usefulness of these a printed catalogue was issued, which deserves some attention, and a copy of which I am fortunately able to show you. The titles of the books are clearly set forth in classified order, and a short analysis of the contents is appended in the case of most of the works. The execution is such as by its thoroughness and carefulness cannot fail to elicit our admiration, and this admiration is heightened by the perusal of the brief preface. In a few pregnant paragraphs the difficulties which beset the compiler of a classified catalogue and its deficiencies for the users of it, are set forth with singular clearness and conciseness, and, as you read, you feel that surely, of all mechanics' institutes, that of Aberdeen was singularly fortunate in its librarian. And when I tell you that the person who was this was also for it secretary, teacher of natural philosophy and leader of the mutual instruction class, and that he has since become the Dr. Bain whom all the world knows as teacher and psychologist, you will understand something of its good fortune.

To the subsequent events in the history of the Aberdeen Mechanics' Institution and of its Library, time permits me only briefly to allude. In 1845, strong in faith and undismayed by want of success, the directors, aided by private subscriptions to a considerable amount, laid the foundations of a large and