Its diffusion.
1.

For the perpetuation of knowledge.

Orders were given to the chief librarian to buy at the king's expense whatever books he could.

A body of transcribers was maintained in the Museum, whose duty it was to make correct copies of such works as their owners were not disposed to sell.
Any books brought by foreigners into Egypt were taken at once to the Museum, and, when correct copies had been made, the transcript was given to the owner, and the original placed in the library.

Often a very large pecuniary indemnity was paid.