You are mistaken in supposing that my unfavourable opinion on those points is of a "_recent_ date." My sentiments respecting "Press-marks," &c. have long been entertained and expressed. I have also long thought that the delay in completing the catalogue was unjustifiable; but not having carefully examined its plan until a few weeks ago, or been acquainted with your last reports, I was not aware of its imperfections until lately. It is candid to acquaint you that the opinions which I entertain about "Press-marks," and the delay in obtaining printed books are shared by every literary man to whom I have spoken; that no one can account for the delay in completing the catalogue; and that none approve of its plan. The general feeling appears to be similar to my own,--namely, that the effect of the system you have introduced is to keep all the _working_ part of literary men out of the Library until they are _actually compelled to refer to it_. You must admit that this question is one of deep interest to literature: and as I do not imagine that you _desire_ or _intend_ to produce such results, I may, without any personal offence, presume to think that you have made some serious mistakes. Believe me, &c. No. IX. _Mr. Panizzi to Sir N. H. Nicolas._ British Museum, May 25th, 1846. MY DEAR SIR, I have to acknowledge your letter of yesterday, and as, do what I may, I cannot prevail upon you to reduce to a definite and tangible shape the vague and serious charges which you have volunteered against me, I must have patience, and wait till you bring them before the "higher authority" of which you speak; when, as you foresee, I may show that I am "not answerable for all," though you, with characteristic fairness, have begun by supposing that I was. The only one of your charges, about which you venture to come to something like particulars,--that relating to the Press-marks, &c.--I cannot avoid showing to be utterly "groundless;" and I am confident that you will agree with me in spite of your unfavourable opinion, which I persist in thinking "of a recent date."