In the present catalogue an attempt is made to give by means of both description and illustration a comprehensive idea of the two hundred manuscripts which form a part of the great benefaction of the late Mr Frank McClean to the Fitzwilliam Museum. A part only, for in addition to the manuscripts he bequeathed early printed books, ivories, enamels, gems, and other objects of artistic interest. Nor must it pass unmentioned in this place that his magnificent collection of Greek coins, bequeathed by him to his eldest son, has by the generosity of that son become likewise the property of the Museum. The name of McClean must always hold a foremost place in the list of our benefactors.

The catalogue of the Fitzwilliam Museum manuscripts issued in 1895 describes 239 items. Acquisitions made between that year and the end of 1904 raised the number of manuscripts in the Museum to about 300. Then came the McClean bequest of 203 volumes. As has been truly said, it almost doubled our possessions in this department. This was in itself a great matter. I had ventured, in the preface to the former catalogue, to appeal to the owners of illuminated manuscripts to think of our Museum as an appropriate place for their preservation, but I had hardly dared to hope that any single benefactor would make so magnificent a response as did Mr McClean.

As to the date of formation of the collection, and its sources, the particulars which it has been possible to collect will be found brought together in a table of the manuscripts which follows this Preface.