CHAPTER I.
FIRE.
Libraries destroyed by Fire.—Alexandrian.—St. Paul's destruction
of MSS., Value of.—Christian books destroyed by Heathens.—
Heathen
books destroyed by Christians.—Hebrew books burnt at
Cremona.—Arabic
books at Grenada.—Monastic libraries.—Colton library.—
Birmingham
riots.—Dr. Priestley's library.—Lord Mansfield's books.—Cowper.
—Strasbourg library bombarded.—Offor Collection burnt.—Dutch
Church library damaged.—Library of Corporation of London.
CHAPTER II.
WATER.
Heer Hudde's library lost at sea.—Pinelli's library captured
by Corsairs.—MSS. destroyed by Mohammed II—Books damaged
by
rain.—Woffenbuttel.—Vapour and Mould.—Brown stains.—Dr.
Dibdin.—Hot water pipes.—Asbestos fire.—Glass doors to
bookcases.
CHAPTER III.
GAS AND HEAT.
Effects of Gas on leather.—Necessitates re-binding.—
Bookbinders.—Electric
light.—British Museum.—Treatment of books.—Legend of Friars
and
their books.
CHAPTER IV.
DUST AND NEGLECT.
Books should have gilt tops.—Old libraries were neglected.—
Instance
of a College library.—Clothes brushed in it.—Abuses in French
