[MANUSCRIPT] English 17th century Scientific Manuscript

1687. Item #12

[MANUSCRIPT] English 17th century Scientific Manuscript, in Latin in paper, with some additions in Greek. c. 1687-88.  Small 8vo. approx. 18 x 11 cm,  82 lvs., written throughout on recto and verso in a neat legible hand, with a few blanks.

Provenance: Signed on rear paste-down in several places: Edward Baldwyn, 1687. Coll. Wadh.    This corresponds  with Edward Baldwin , son of Francis Baldwyn, of the Inner Temple , who succeeded to the Abbey estate , Shrewsbury 1701, and is listed as attending Wadham College, Oxford. The inner front paste-down bears an attractive  manuscript Tree of Porphyry.   Contemporary calf,  rebacked in a sympathetic manner.

It is perhaps coincidental, but nevertheless interesting, that this scientific manuscript was written the year of publication of Newton's Principia.   While it adheres to classical Aristotelian models with sections on Logic, Physics, Metaphysics, Ethics, and Cosmography (mentioning America), it is noteworthy that the author attended Wadham College at a time of fast paced scientific enquiry and discovery.  Amongst Wadham's most famous alumni is Sir Christopher Wren. Wren was one of a brilliant group of experimental scientists at Oxford in the 1650s, the Oxford Philosophical Club, which included Robert Boyle and Robert Hooke. This group held regular meetings at Wadham College under the guidance of the warden, John Wilkins, and the group formed the nucleus which went on to found the Royal Society.

Price: $7,500.00