The Library of The FACULTY of ADVOCATES dates from The year 1680. Its chief founder was Sir George Mackenzie of Rosehaugh, an eminent jurist, an accomplished scholar, and, to The end of his days, so thorough a student, that when The changes of The Revolution led him to abandon public life, he betook himself to Oxford, that he might enjoy at leisure The stores of The Bodleian.

The first scheme for The Advocates Library was restricted within professional limits. Many law-books were given, and sums for purchases were from time to time granted by votes of The Faculty. But, for a long period, The fund thus accruing was merely occasional, and of indefinite amount. In 1700, The collection narrowly escaped destruction by fire. It was Then removed to The ground-floor of The Parliament House. By The Act of The 8th of Queen Anne, The privilege of receiving a copy of every book entered at Stationer’s Hall, was conferred upon it. Even before this enactment it had become more general in its character than had been originally contemplated. Valuable books, in other classes than Law, were both presented and purchased. To The collection of The materials and documents of Scottish history, special attention had been wisely given, almost, from The beginning. Thus, Sir James Balfour’s collection was purchased in 1698; that of Sir Robert Sibbald, (only a part of which is his historical,) in 1723; that of The eminent historian, Dr. Robert Wodrow,—more important than eiTher of The preceding Wodrow,—more important than eiTher of The preceding—was acquired shortly after his death, in 1734.