Finch, Sir John (1584-1660)

Note-book containing extracts on astronomy, horology, navigation, arithmetic, weights and measures, etc.: with a Gregorian 'Calendarium Ecclesiasticum'. Compiler's holograph MS. Illustrated with a few mathematical pendrawn diagrams, and one of a mariner's compass (p. 42). The text, which is in English and Latin, is written in a small neat script, within red rules. The 'old style' calendar contains entries under initials relating to the compiler's family, historical events, etc. The latest dated entry is for the death of Henry, Duke of Gloucester, 13 September 1660. On p. 41 is a diagram showing the Dominical letters, made in 1658. On the verso of the first preliminary leaf is a pasted-in paper slip, with a holograph inscription 'Iohannes Finch Baro de Fordwick, Custos Magni Sigilli Tempore Caroli Primi hunc libellum manu propria scripsit'. For Sir John Finch, Speaker to the House of Commons and Lord Keepr (see the Dictionary of National Biography].

1658-1660

1 volume 2 ll. + 96 pp. + 2 ll. 8vo. 131/2 × 71/2 cm. On vellum: modern crushed morocco binding.

Purchased 1906.

Database description transcribed from S.A.J. Moorat, Catalogue of Western Manuscripts on Medicine and Science in the Wellcome Historical Medical Library (London: Wellcome Institute for the History of Medicine, 1962-1973).