Stukeley, William (1687-1765)

Considerations on astrology. Author's holograph MS. Bound at the end of a volume formerly in the possession of Richard Edlin [or Edlyn] the astrologer [1631-1677], containing original MS. horoscopes and notes by Edlin. Both items preceded by a copy of 'Thematum astrologicorum ... centuriae duae' by Johann Rudolph Camerarius, printed by J. Janssonius in 1633 at Amsterdam. The printed work by J. R. Camerarius is followed by 'De genituris continuata exempla. Ex observationibus hujus libri authoris', under which is a note on Richard Edlyn by Stukeley. This section contains 32 pen-drawn horoscopes with notes by Edlyn, and 5 printed ones extracted from an unknown astrological work. The latest date found in the Edlyn section is 1672, horoscope No. XXIX of Louis XIV of France. Lastly comes the Stukeley MS., beginning with a horoscope of his own copied from that drawn up by 'My ingenious neighbor Mr. Tycho Wyng [Wing] [1696-1750] to satisfy his own curiosity and mine' on 7 Feb 1734/5. The latest date is found in the horoscope of Frances Stukeley, 'a terrible fall' 27 May 1737'. On the first leaf signature of 'P.J. [?] Chippindall 1816', who has also written a few notes in pencil.

c. 1670 1735-7

1 volume 1 l. + 134 ll. + 34 ll. + 71 [72] ll. 4to. 19 × 14 cm. 18th cent. calf binding, rebacked. One leaf is wanting in the Stukeley MS., containing Horoscope XXXIX of Francis Peck [1692-1743], antiquary.

Purchased 1920.

Inside the upper cover is a note by Stukeley 'This was Richard Edlyns book, a celebrated Astrologer in King Charles II time.'

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).