\paperw3360 \margr0\margl0\ATXph16380 \plain \fs20 \pard\tx3255\tx6525\tx9780\ATXts240\ATXbrdr0 \f1 \fs22 Founded in 1755, the British Museum is the one of the earliest instituti
ons of its kind in Europe. The initial nucleus of the collection comprises the artefacts carefully brought together by Sir Hans Sloane, who divided his long life between the practice of medicine and the enlargement and care of his museum. In 1742 it wa
s moved from his home to nine spacious rooms in Cheyne Walk. Here 79,575 objects were assembled, including around 32,000 medals and coins and 12,506 ôvegetables, as seeds, gums, woods, roots, etc.ö in addition to the contents of an enormous herbarium.
Like modern museums, SloaneÆs was for use as well as mere display. It was a working institution to which other scientists as well as interested amateurs were freely admitted. As one contented contemporary remarked: ôVery friendly, and seemed to take de
