This work is intended to explain the plan in operation at the
Smithsonian Institution, for preparing and stereotyping catalogues;
to furnish means of judging of its practicability and importance;
and to serve as a manual for librarians in its execution. The
first edition was printed in 1852. It was, however, limited to a
small number of copies, for distribution principally among those who
would be likely to suggest improvements. The work has, since, been
carefully revised, and is now published for more general circulation.
It was a long and difficult task to develop and adjust the details
of this system, and to make the mechanical arrangements for its
successful prosecution. The difficulties, both theoretical and
practical, have been overcome. The actual operation of the plan has
shown its entire practicability, and warrants the hope that its best
promises will be realized.
This book has been stereotyped by a process entirely new, peculiarly
adapted to the stereotyping of separate titles, or even single lines.
It has been fully reduced to practice for this special purpose, and
will doubtless be found, in many other respects, a valuable addition
to the resources of the art of typography.
The expense of developing the plan has been borne by the Smithsonian
Institution. We have every reason to hope that it will promote
"the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men," and justify
the continual labor of superintendence. In anticipation, the task
proposed seems formidable; but it is to be accomplished, _title
by title_, on a system, which imposes no heavy burden upon any
institution, though it offers benefits to all.
It is not to be supposed that the public will take much interest in a
work of professional details like this. The subject more particularly
addresses itself to those who are conversant with the management
of libraries. Their instruction and experience will enable them to
estimate aright the difficulty of the undertaking here set forth, and
to judge, with fairness, of its practical utility.