By his will, dated the 6th of March 1662, Cardinal MAZARIN bequeathed
this library for the convenience of the literati. It was formed by
GABRIEL NAUDÉ of every thing that could be found most rare and
curious, as well in France as in foreign countries. It occupies one
of the pavilions and other apartments of the _ci-devant Collège
Mazarin ou des Quatre Nations_, at present called _Palais des Beaux
Arts_.
No valuable additions have been made to this library since the
revolution; but it is kept in excellent order. The Conservators, LE
BLOND, COQUILLE, and PALISSOT, whose complaisance is never tired, are
well known in the Republic of Letters. It is open to the public every
day, from ten o'clock to two, Sundays, Thursdays, and the days of
national fêtes excepted.