464
HISTORY OF PRINTING.
towel, and two dozen of napldns, wrought with white laid work ; and by her will, in 1613, gave J£10, four arras wrought cushions, a cupboard cloth, and two long flaxen table cloths of her own spinning.
1610,./u/y 19. The first stone of that unrivalled repository, the Bodleian Library, at Oxford, founded by sir Thomas Bodley,* is placed with all the formalities on this day. By founding this magnificent library, sir Thomas Bodley has im- mortalized his name ; for it now exceeds that of any uniTersity in Europe, and even those of all the sovereigns of Europe, except the empe- ror's, at Vienna, and the French one, both of which were established one hundred years before.
Witbin whose sUent chambers treasure lies Preserved from age to a^ ; more precious far Than that accumulated store of gold The anltan hides against a day of need. These hoards of sweets you can unlock at will | And music waits upon your skilful touch.
The first catalogue of the printed books of the Bodleian was published in 4to. in 1606, by Dr. Thomas James, It was dedicated to Henry
• Sir Thomas Bodley, from whom the above library takes its name, was the eldest son of Mr John Bodley of Exeter, by Joan, daughter and heiress of Robert Home, Esq., of Ottery St. Mary. By his tether's side he was descended from the ancient family of the Bodleys or Bod- lelghs of Dunscombe, near Crediton. He was born at Bxeter, March 3d, 1541. On the acresslon of queen Mary, his tether removed with his temily to Geneva. The university of that city having been then recently erected, young Bodley, about twelve years of age, applied himself with dili;^nce to the study of the learned languages, under ttie most celebrated professors. On the accession of queen Elizabeth, his father returned to England, and settled in London, when Thomas was sent to Magidalen college, Oxford. In 1576, he went abroad, and spent four years in France, Germany, and Italy. Upon Ills return, he applied himself to the study of history and politics. In 1586 bewas made gentleman usher to queen Elizabeth, and firom that time until 1597 he was employed in several embassies; when, disgusted with the intrigues of the court, be retired from public life, and, to use his own words, resolved to " set up his staJf at the library door."
Being In the prime of life, and eminently qualified both by bis learning and experience, he engaged In an employ- ment, which, as Camden justly remarks, would have added glory to the character of a crowned head, — the restoration of the public library. Hav n^ announced to the university his design, and receiving assunuices of tUanVful acquiescence, and cordial co.operation, he began by presenting a collection of volumes which he had pur- ehased abroad^ and which were valued at j^'io.ooo. His example and solicitations operated so powerfully, that conbributioDs flowed in ftom various quarters, with a rapidity that rendered it speedily necessary to enlarge the building. On the 8tb of November, 1802, the library was first opened ; and in 1605, the bust of sir Thomas Bodley was placed In the library, by the earl of Dorset, chancellor of the university.
Besides giving his books, which he had collected at a great expense, sir Thomas Bodley left an estate, for salaries to officers, and to keep the library in repabr. For the government of it, he drew up some statutes, which were confirmed In convocation, and which are preserved In the archives of the library. By tbese, the vice-chan- cellor, proctors, and the regius professors of divinity, law, medicine, Hebrew, and Greek, are appointed visitors and curators.
In 1585, Bodley manled Anne, daughter of Mr. Carew, of Bristol, and widow of Mr. Ball, a lady, as Wood informs us, of considerable fortune. He died January S8, 1613, and was baried in the chapel of Merton college.
An annual speech in praise of air Thomas Bodley, was founded in iSsi, by Dr. John Morris, canon of Christ Church; the speaker to be nominated by the dean of Christ Church, and confirmed by the vice-chancellor. These speeches are delivered at the visitation-day of the library, NoTember the 8tb.
Prince of Wales; and the books were classed in four faculties, divinity, medicine, jurisprudence, and arts, completed by an index of author's names. Dr. James* published a more extensive catalogue, in an alphabetical form, in 4to. Ox- ford, 1625. The curators have for many years published, or rather printed and distributed, and continue to print and distribute, annual alpha- betical catalogues of its acquisitions in the de- partment of printed books, for the information of the university .f
For full and accurate information of this mag- nificent library, see the Reliquia BodUimutX 8vo. London, 1703; Wood's account of Bodley's Library, Hitt. and Andq. of the Univerrity of Oxford, 4to. 1796, vol.ii. p. 920-953 ; Chalmers' History of the Colleges, Halls, and Public Build- ings attached to the University of Oxford, vol. ii p. 468-464 ; Oxford University and City Guide, 8vo. ; and the Oxford University Calendar for 1836.
When James I. first saw this library, and per- ceived the little chains by which the books were fastened, he expressed a wish, that if ever it should be his fate to be a prisoner ; this library might be his prison, those books his fellow -pri- soners, and those chains his fetters.
1610, Nov. 14. " Received from Oxen, by the delivery of Mr. Doctor Kinge, dean of Christ Church, the vice-chancellor of Oxen, under the university's seal, of an indenture for one book of every copy to be given to the public library at Oxen — ^tbat they appoint sir Tbomas Bodley to receive the same."
This, on the face of it, appears to have been a private transaction between sir Thomas Bodley and the company of stationers ; who in return for some favour done to them by his interests at court, complimented him with a voluntary gift, towards the furnishing of his new library at Oxford. From this foundation, however, arose those oppressive enactments which have since pressed so heavily on literature.
1610, Nov. 10. Died, Richard Bancroft, archbishop of Canterbury. He was born in the county of Lancaster, and educated at Jesus college, Cambridge. He distinguished himself with so much learning against the Puritans, that in 1697 lie was made bishop of London. He bore a principal part in the famous conference at Hampton court; and on the death of archbishop Whitgift in 1604, he was translated to Canter-
- Thomas James was a learned divine, and the first mi-
pointed librarian to the Bodleian. He was born at New- port, in the Isle of Wight, became dean of Wells, and died at Oxford, 163S. He wrote several learned books, the chief of which Is a TreutUe of the Corruption of the Scrip. ttircM, CouHCilt, and Father; &C. I611. 4ta Reprinted in Svo. 1638.
t How many volumes this Inestimable collection contains Is not exactly known, but It is immense , and the library is continually Increasing by donations, by copies of every work printed In this country (by Act M Geo. III. ch. I.f6,) as well as by books purchased (him the f^d left by Its founder, assisted by fees received at matrlculatloD, and by an annual payment from all who have a right of adnis- sion to the library.
i Sir Thomas Bodley's original draft for the statutes of his libnry wUl be fonad In the BMiuUi Bailtimim.
VjOOQ IC
