- London : Trubner & Co. 1869
- 8vo.
- self paper wrappers.
- 16 pages.
- Order Nr. 34459
- Price: $ 250.00

Despite the huge advances in the development of the British Museum and Library since the beginning of the century, there was still a great deal of public hostility to the manner in which the institution was administered - a situation no doubt compounded by bitter inter-departmental rivalries. Prominent amongst the critics was Thomas Carlyle, who was interviewed at length. John Payne Collier was the far from impartial secretary to the Commission and also provided extensive testimony. It was, however, Panizzi who triumphed. "The report was well received. The Times remarked that it offered ample proof of the diligence, care and impartiality with which they have investigated the large and intricate subject" - (Miller: That Noble Cabinet, p. 182). With the scarce separately issued Index. First volume withdrawn from the library of The Geological Society, with the original presentation slip from Sir. P. Egerton (who sat on both the 1835 & 1836 committees) present, early stamp on verso title-page else contents stamp free; second volume moderate cover wear but a sound copy.