Papyrus, the pith of a reed, was used until the discovery of parchment, about 190 B.C.A MS.

of the _Antiquities of Josephus_ on papyrus, was among the treasures seized by Buonaparte in Italy.
[13] _Acquainted_ .-- O'Curry's _MS.

Materials_, page 24.
[14] _Collection_.-A recent writer in the _Cornhill_ says that Lord Ashburnham refuses access to this collection, now in his possession, fearing that its contents may be depreciated so as to lessen its value at a future sale.

We should hope this statement can scarcely be accurate.

Unhappily, it is at least certain that access to the MSS.