Page:The library a magazine of bibliography and library literature, Volume 6.djvu/302

 290 The Library. a convenient height for a seated reader to use. The books lay on their sides on the desk, and were attached by chains to a horizontal bar above it." As libraries increased in size and books were multiplied, tiers of shelves had to be provided in addition to desks, and the system of laying books flat on their sides had to be abandoned in favour of standing them upright on shelves above or below reading desks. As Mr. Clark states : "The system of chaining, as adopted in this country, would allow of the books being readily taken down from the shelves and laid on the desk for reading. One end of the chain was attached to the middle of the upper edge of the right hand board, the other to a ring which played on a bar set in front of the shelf on which the book stood. The fore edge of the books, not the back, was turned forwards. A swivel, usually in the middle of the chain, prevented tangling. The chains varied in length according to the distance of the shelf from the desk. The bar was kept in place by a rather elaborate system of iron work attached to the end of the bookcase, and secured by a lock which often required two keys that is, the presence of two officials to open it." A typical example of this arrangement still exists in Hereford Cathe- dral. The great increase of books consequent upon the invention of printing led to greater economy of storage being forced upon library owners, while the necessity for chaining books was obviated because of their value being reduced through the multiplication of copies. Hence arose the wall case with the ledge or desk running all round the room at about three feet from the floor. The Mazarin Library at Paris, which many librarians will remember, is an excellent example of this arrange- ment, and there are many old libraries in England similarly treated. " So far as I have been able to discover, the first library arranged in the way with which we are familiar, namely, with the bookcases set against the walls instead of at right angles to them, is that of the Escurial. These cases were made by Herrera, the architect of the building, in 1584. There is no indication of chaining, but, in conformity with ancient usage, the fore edge of the books, instead of their backs, is turned outwards, and the desk is represented by a shelf, carried all round the room at a convenient height." Mr. Clark's lecture was illustrated by many lantern slides showing interior views of old libraries and bookcases, and some of these are re- produced in the present volume. The book is one of remarkable interest and value to present day librarians, not only for its careful treatment of a somewhat neglected subject, but for the light it sheds on the primitive, but fairly practical, arrangements, which obtained in ancient monastic and collegiate libraries. Correspondence* CATALOGUE CRITICISM. To the Editor of " THE LIBRARY." DEAR SIR, I write in the hope that you will allow me one word on this subject. As one whose previous catalogues have been noticed in your pages, I, like Mr. Folkard, deplore your decision. Faults in my work have been pointed out, but I have found in this no matter for tears on the contrary, I have been grateful to the reviewer who has mingled blame with praise, and, recognising the blemishes to which he has drawn atten-