_Search for MSS._--A proposal was made some time ago in "N. & Q." by MR.
MACKENZIE, that some systematic effort should be made for the recovery
of ancient MSS. I have heard nothing more of it, but am sure that, if a
beginning were made, it would receive warm support from the friends of
literature. There is, however, a kindred search which can be prosecuted
nearer home, with more certain success and more important results. I
mean a continued search among the numerous MSS. in which so much of our
unknown history is buried. Might not a systematic examination of these
be instituted, with the help of the "division of labour" principle, so
that important portions of the great mass should be accurately described
and indexed, valuable papers abridged for publication, and thus given to
the world entire? Much is being done, no doubt, here and there; but
surely much more would be accomplished by united and systematised
labour. How much light might be thrown on a given period of our history
by such a study of all the records, correspondence, &c. relating to it.
Is there none of our existing societies within whose scope such an
undertaking would fall, or might not different societies unite for the
purpose? The books, of course, should be sold to the public. I leave the
hint to the judgment of your readers.