C. Csapodi, E. Moravek et al.(szerk.): The Library of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 1826–1961.

I. The History and Tasks of the Library of the Academy of Sciences

The Hungarian Academy of Sciences began its work in temporary, hired premises. There was no room for establishing the Teleki Library there and the hook collection, therefore, provisionally awaited its permanent home with the donating family. Meanwhile the Library continued to grow. The example of the founder was followed by others. Private persons and families, almost in competition with one another, presented the treasures of their libraries, sometimes whole collections, to the Library of the Academy. A good many common people also increased its stock. As far back as tbe eighteenth century, the general desire to establish the Hungarian Learned Society was deep-rooted in the best sons of the nation. A characteristic example is the fact that more than a decade before the foundation István Sándor ,,the first Hungarian bibliographer", had, in his will already left his collection of books, pictures, and coins, supplemented by a considerable foundation to the Academy to be established at some time in the future. The Academy's members also added works of their own to the stocks of the Library. The book and manuscript bequests of a number of prominent persons became part of the Library, including, among others, those of Ferenc Kazinczy, the organizer of Hungarian literary life, Mihály Vörösmarty, the greatest Hungarian romantic poet, the historian of literature Ferenc Toldy, the General Secretary of the Academy as well as several of their contemporaries. The Library was also augmented by valuable codices. As a gift of József Teleki, the founder, the Library even obtained a codex from the world-famous Bibliotheca Corvina of Matthias Corvinus, the last national king and great humanist. Parallel with these gifts, the organizing and directing activity carried on by the Academy in the field of science also contributed to the Library's growth. The academicians set about collecting the vocabulary of the Hungarian language, conducted competitions for scientific and literary works, criticizing them and publishing the best. The publication of year-books and a scientific journal was started. The Academy subscribed to foreign journals and established exchange relations with foreign institutions. In 1840 the printing offices were obliged by law to send deposit copies also to the Library of the Academy. 8