A SHORT ACCOUN OF THE LIBRARY. MONG the various methods defigned for promoting knowledge, no one appears better adapted to that important end than a publick Library. An inftitution of this kind is fo generous and extenfive in its nature, that it affords instruction on the most easy, terms to all who are defirous of improvement. The opulent friend to learning may be furnished with authors not generally found in private collections; whilst the genius which might languish and be difcouraged for want of proper opportunities, may have accefs to many volumes, containing the experience of past ages and the present times. When men thus poffefs the means of being acquainted with the arts and sciences, it may justly be expected that important enquiries will be profecuted, and the good of society increased. Senfible of the great advantages to be derived from this fruit-. ful fource, certain gentlemen laid the foundation of the prefent, Library, in the year 1731, and foon had the fatisfaction of feeing it enlarge, and prove ufeful, the beft compenfation for their care and fervices. In 1742 a charter was obtained, with Power to make laws, &c. incorporating them by the name of THE LIBRARY COMPANY OF PHILADLEPHIA. Other Gentlemen of this city animated with the fame liberal fentiments, and the fuccefs of thefe worthy Men, thought it neceffary that more Libraries fhould be formed. These when efta |