Bodleian Library

the reference library of Oxford University. It derives its name from a donation of rare books purchased on the continent by Sir Thomas Bodley at a cost of $50,000, and presented to the University in 1597. Sir Thomas also left an estate, the income of which is still devoted to the care and enlargement of the library. Others have left fortunes to the library. Several large collections of early prints, first editions, and priceless Arabic, Greek, Latin, Hebrew, German, Anglo-Saxon, and oriental manuscripts have been acquired. A copy of every book published in the kingdom is, by act of Parliament, deposited with the librarian. The income from bequests is used to purchase old books. The library is especially rich in early editions of the Bible in all tongues. The entire collection is at the service of scholars on the most liberal terms. The library now includes over half a million volumes and ranks next to that of the British Museum in point of value to scholarship. See Library; British Museum