_Page._
PREFACE, v
REPORT.
COPY OF A LETTER, viii
REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS, ix
SMITHSONIAN CATALOGUE SYSTEM.
Difficulties in publishing catalogues, 3
Plan for obviating these difficulties, 5
Application of the plan for the formation of a general catalogue, 5
Advantages to be derived from the proposed system, 6
Distinction between a catalogue and a bibliographical dictionary, 10
The same titles to serve for general and particular catalogues, 11
Form of the catalogue, 13
Necessity of rules for the preparation of catalogues, 17
Duties of collaborators and superintendent, 19
Printing and Stereotyping, 23
Preservation and use of the plates, 24
Construction of new catalogues, 25