Whilst the greatest effort has been made to ensure the quality of this text, due to the historical nature of this content, in some rare cases there may be minor issues with legibility. I would also acknowledge the courtesies extended by the efficient librarians of the Newberry Library and Chicago Public Library. Few people realize that Chicago is rapidly becoming the recognized library center of this continent. The New York Outlook says Chicago libraries are greater in extent and endowment than those of any other American city. This might, by some, be considered an extravagant statement, but it is fully substantiated by the recent report to the Chicago Board of Trade by its secretary, Mr.