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Show Page 2 (3) A set of photographs of original, rare and unpublished documents on the relations of Egypt and Ethiopia from the Coptic Patriarchal Archives in Cairo. (4) A set of 44 rare old colored prints from an Egyptian benefactor. These enter under the title of Egyptian folklore and are probably unique in this country. (5) Fifty microfilms of unique and autographed Arabic manuscripts on the basis of an exchange system which I was able to establish with the Institute of Arabic Manuscripts in Cairo. Other projects of a monumental character are the following collections which I strongly recommend for purchase by the Library: (1) Two lists assembled in Beirut of books and manuscripts. An enclosed m e m o is submitted on these. They include: a. List of works completing already existing books and periodicals to the value of $1,355.00. b. List of rare old Istanbul publications which comprises a set of 15 valuable Arabic Manuscripts, all costing $1,125. (2) A report on the Martin Levey Collection at Albany, N. Y., which I examined on behalf of the Middle East Center. This is an extremely valuable collection on the history of science embracing practically every department of a scientific, technological and medical disciplines of the University from the Arabic and Hebrew angles. A copy of the report sent to the Center is p.lso enclosed. It may be possible to procure that collection for $10,000, as a tentative starting offer, which may be raised by releasing part of the blocked Marriott fund earmarked for periodicals. This is a collection that will serve almost every discipline in the University. I assume I can acquire it for a fraction of its real value. But speed of action is necessary if we hold any hope in concluding a remarkable deal. I may be a dreamer in the tight circumstances of the Library, but we can never achieve greatness without dreaming great dreams and doping against hope for the good of all. After all, while accumulating donations of value for no cost, it is only fair that the University should strike a balance by releasing some funds for equal material to be purchased in cash. Again, welcome to the Library and good luck to all of us under your imaginative auspices and guardian wings. Cordially, Enclosures Aziz S. Atiya |