Document information

Physical location:

VPRS 805/P/116/82-78, inward correspondence — subject, VA 913 Public Library of Victoria, Public Record Office, Victoria. 82.02.06a

Preferred Citation:

Ferdinand von Mueller to David McArthur, 1882-02-06 [82.02.06a]. R.W. Home, Thomas A. Darragh, A.M. Lucas, Sara Maroske, D.M. Sinkora, J.H. Voigt and Monika Wells (eds), Correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller, <https://vmcp.rbg.vic.gov.au/id/82-02-06a>, accessed September 11, 2025

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MS annotation: 'Laid before Lib Com. 2.3.82'.
Melbourne
6/2/82
To D. C. MacArthur Esq.
President of the trustees of the Public Library, &c &c
It is my pleasing duty, honored and dear Sir, to acknowlege the receipt of the two large and splendid volumes, indicative of the immense riches of the public Library.
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i.e. Public Library of Victoria (1880).
I am greatly beholden to yourself and your honored Co-trustees for this mark of generosity bestowed on me, and shall hold dear this donation among my best souvenirs.
The public Library of Melbourne is a marvellous monument of the sagacity, zeal and public spirit of its originators and administrators. I have seen it arise in its infancy, have watched its progress, admired its vastness and solidity, and had the benefit of extending my own researches by the access, always so kindly accorded me to its treasures. If, even only to a small extent, I was able to add original works to a collection, which — young as it is — rivals with the largest and oldest libraries in the world, then I may claim to have endeavoured to show my grateful appreciation for the invariable attention, which during fully 30 years I have experienced from your noble Insititution.
Trusting, dear Mr M'Arthur, that you as the worthy President may long be spared, to watch over the interest of the Library, I remain regardfully and gratefully your
Ferd. von Mueller.