"Leonard wasn't like other potential benefactors," says Brademas.

Unlike prior initiatives, the financial and political backing for I-892 was given by potential benefactors of the initiative rather than at a grassroots level.

Assiduous at cultivating potential benefactors, he was even known to walk their dogs and purchase their haberdashery.

But museum curators in London say this precedent may deter potential benefactors from making collections available to academic institutions in the future.

Its willingness now to make gestures in this direction makes more sense if understood as a tactic for endearing itself to potential Western benefactors.

The company, with debts of $900,000, had been seeking help from an anonymous potential benefactor for the last two months.

"After all, we sorely need his help, and it will serve us ill to rob a potential benefactor."

Today, however, the population of Manhattan seemed to have disappeared as completely as their comrade and their potential benefactor.

But what can a first-time buyer do if there are no potential benefactors in the family?

Bonhams also introduced the society to potential benefactors who might buy the manuscript on its behalf.