The article is dedicated to the publishing activity of the House of Elzevier of 16th - early 18th centuries. A number of changes in policy, religion and culture in the Netherlands of that period are elucidated. They greatly influenced on the publishing repertoire of the company. The main attention is paid to the Elzevier collection, which is stored in the funds of old-printed and rare books department of Vernadsky National Library of Ukraine. Using examples of Elzevier editions available at department, thematic structure (history, philosophy, geography, mathematics, medical science, etc.) of collection was reviewed. The Elzevier editions, which were of great importance for the further formation and development of these sciences, were examined more detailed. This investigation confirmed once more the significant contribution of this Dutch family of printers and publishers in the scientific and cultural development not only in their country, but also far beyond its borders.