In order to control the development and management of the British Museum, which became fully accessible to the general public in 1810, Select Committees and a Royal Commission were set up to investigate its affairs. This set includes reports and evidence presented to parliament by these bodies. The committees of 1835 and 1836 (IUP volumes British Museum 1 and 2) examined the administration structure of the museum, the museum buildings, collections and accommodation, and the nature of existing catalogues as well as other aspects of the working and organization of the institution. The Royal Commission of 1850 investigated the constitution and government of the museum, directing their inquiry towards the causes of complaints made by the public and by museum staff. -- Publisher's catalogue.