impossible for one man to read all the Books in all Faculties, to judg
of them what worth there is in them; nor hath everie one Abilitie to
judg of all kinde of Sciences what everie Autor doth handle, and how
sufficiently; therefore I would have at this time of giving accounts,
the Librarie-keeper also bound to produce the Catalogue of all the Books
sent unto the Universitie's Librarie by the Stationars that Printed
them; to the end that everie one of the Doctors in their own Faculties
should declare, whether or no they should bee added, and where they
should bee placed in the Catalogue of Additionals; For I do not think
that all Books and Treaties which in this age are Printed in all kindes,
should bee inserted into the Catalogue, and added to the stock of the
Librarie, discretion must bee used and confusion avoided, and a cours
taken to distinguish that which is profitable, from that which is
useless; and according to the verdict of that Societie, the usefulness
of Books for the publick is to bee determined; yet becaus there is
seldom anie Books wherein there is not somthing useful, and Books freely
given are not to bee cast away, but may bee kept, therefore I would have
a peculiar place appointed for such Books as shall bee laid aside to
keep them in, and a Catalogue of their Titles made Alphabetically in
reference to the Autor's name, with a note of distinction to shew the
Science to which they are to bee referred. These thoughts com thus
suddenly into my head, which in due time may bee more fully described,
if need bee, chiefly if, upon the ground of this account, som
competencie should bee found out and allowed to maintein such charges as
will bee requisite, towards the advancement of the Publick good of
Learning after this manner.


The second Letter.