An idea recorded in 1841, is to be realized in 1851--which promises, in
various ways, to be the _annus mirabilis_!
In an appeal to residents at Paris for a transcript of certain inedited
notes on Jean Paul Marana, which are preserved in the _bibliotheque
royale_, I made this remark:--
"If men of letters, of whatever nation, were more disposed to
interchange commodities in such a manner, the beneficial effects of it
in promoting mutual riches, would soon become visible."--_Gent. Mag._
XV. 270. N. S.
The appeal was unsuccessful, and I could not but ascribe the failure of it
to the want of a convenient channel of communication. A remedy is now
provided--thanks to the example set at home, and the enterprising spirit of
Mr. Frederik Muller of Amsterdam.
We contemplate Holland as the school of classical and oriental literature,
and as the _studio_ of painters and engravers; we admire her delicate
Elzevirs and her magnificent folios; we commend her for the establishment
of public libraries, _made available by printed catalogues_; we do justice
to the discoveries of her early navigators; but we had scarcely heard of
her vernacular literature before the publications of Bosworth, and Bowring.
As M. Van Kampen observes, "La literature hollandaise est presque inconnue
aux etrangers a cause de la langue peu repandue qui lui sert d'organe."
Under such circumstances it may be presumed that many a query will now be
made, and many a new fact elicited. We may expect, by the means of _De
Navorscher_, the further gratification of rational curiosity, and the
improvement of historical and bibliographic literature.
In assuming that some slight credit may be due to one who gives public
expression to a novel and plausible idea, it may become me to declare that
I renounce all claim to the substantial merit of having devised the means
of carrying it into effect.