A biographical sketch of Sir Anthony Panizzi, K. C. B., LL. D., etc., late principal librarian, British museum

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1873. Excerpt: ... It must be remembered that this proposition of Mr. Watts appeared in the pages of a periodical, which, however valuable in its sphere, was not at all likely to have met the eye of the late Principal Librarian; and it is equally certain to those who knew Mr. Watts that he was the last man to call his attention to the suggestion, nor was he one accustomed to talk much of anything he had himself proposed. The writer remembers a conversation he had with him, subsequently to the controversy, as to the origin of the proposition to build the present Reading-room, in which that gentleman generously remarked to him, with much warmth and emphasis, that "whoever may have suggested the proposition, it was only such a man as Mr. Panizzi who could have got the project carried out" The writer knows also that the admiration of Mr. Watts for the new Reading-room was most enthusiastic; and that he also entertained the highest possible opinion of the constructive ability and Herculean energy of Mr. Panizzi. It is certain, also, that no one, either in the service of the Museum, or among the almost numberless critics who have spoken of this beautiful room, and its marvellously adapted surrounding libraries, would more willingly and sincerely have accorded to Mr. Panizzi the measure of praise due to him for his unparalleled exertions in bringing it into existence than Mr. Watts himself. The future historian of the Museum may possibly have before him the documentary evidence that may help to a more just solution of this somewhat vexed question than the writer can offer; but, at all events, the public are indebted, both for its origination and also to its erection, with all its princely accommodation and numerous conveniences, to men whose names will ever be had in grateful reme...