[109]Lipsiuspublished hisSyntagma de Bibliothecis, at Antwerp, in 1603, 4to., "in quo de ritibus variis et antiquitatibus circa rem bibliothecariam agitur." An improved edition of it, by Maderus, was printed at Helmstadt, in 1666, 4to., with other curious bibliographical opuscula. A third edition of it was put forth by Schmid, at the same place, in 1702, 4to. Consult Morhof.Poly. Lit., vol. i., 188.[110]"Scripsit etErycius PuteanuslibrumDe Usu Bibliothecæ et quidem speciatim Bibliothecæ Ambrosianæ Mediol., in 8vo., 1606, editum, aliumque, cui titulusAuspicia Bibliothecæ Lovaniensis, an. 1639, in 4to." Morhof. "It is true," says Baillet, "that this Puteanus passed for a gossipping sort of writer, and for a great maker of little books, but he was, notwithstanding, a very clever fellow."Jugemens des Savans, vol. ii., 150. In theBibl. Crev., vol. v., 311, will be found one of his letters, never before published. He died in 1646.Possevinuspublished aBibliotheca selectaandApparatus sacer—of the former of which, the Cologne edition of 1607, folio, and of the latter, that of 1608, are esteemed the most complete. The first work is considered by Morhof as less valuable than the second. The "Apparatus" he designates as a book of rather extraordinary merit and utility. Of the author of both these treatises, some have extolled his talents to the skies, others have depreciated them in proportion. His literary character, however, upon the whole, places him in the first class of bibliographers. Consult thePolyhist. Literar., vol. i., 175. He was one of the earliest bibliographers who attacked the depraved taste of the Italian printers in adopting licentious capital-initial letters. Catherinot, in hisArt d'imprimer, p. 3, makes the same complaint: so Baillet informs us, vol. i., pt. i., p. 13, edit. 1725: vol. iii., pt. 1, p. 78.Schottus'swork,de Bibl. claris Hispaniæ viris, France, 1608, 4to., is forgotten in the splendour of Antonio's similar production; but it had great merit in its day.Jugemens des Savans, vol. ii., pt. 1, 132, edit. 1725.[111]Bolduanuspublished aTheological(Jenæ, 1614) andPhilosophico Philological(Jenæ, 1616), as well as anHistorical(Lipsiæ, 1620), library; but the latter work has the pre-eminence. Yet the author lived at too great a distance, wanting the requisite materials, and took his account chiefly from the Frankfort catalogues—some of which were sufficiently erroneous.Polyhist. Literar.vol. i., 199. See also the very excellent historical catalogue, comprehending the 1st chap. of Meusel's new edition of Struvius'sBibl. Histor., vol. i., p. 26.Draudius'swork is more distinguished for its arrangement than for its execution in detail. It was very useful, however, at the period when it was published. My edition is of the date of 1611, 4to.: but a second appeared at Frankfort, in 1625, 4to.
[109]Lipsiuspublished hisSyntagma de Bibliothecis, at Antwerp, in 1603, 4to., "in quo de ritibus variis et antiquitatibus circa rem bibliothecariam agitur." An improved edition of it, by Maderus, was printed at Helmstadt, in 1666, 4to., with other curious bibliographical opuscula. A third edition of it was put forth by Schmid, at the same place, in 1702, 4to. Consult Morhof.Poly. Lit., vol. i., 188.
[110]"Scripsit etErycius PuteanuslibrumDe Usu Bibliothecæ et quidem speciatim Bibliothecæ Ambrosianæ Mediol., in 8vo., 1606, editum, aliumque, cui titulusAuspicia Bibliothecæ Lovaniensis, an. 1639, in 4to." Morhof. "It is true," says Baillet, "that this Puteanus passed for a gossipping sort of writer, and for a great maker of little books, but he was, notwithstanding, a very clever fellow."Jugemens des Savans, vol. ii., 150. In theBibl. Crev., vol. v., 311, will be found one of his letters, never before published. He died in 1646.Possevinuspublished aBibliotheca selectaandApparatus sacer—of the former of which, the Cologne edition of 1607, folio, and of the latter, that of 1608, are esteemed the most complete. The first work is considered by Morhof as less valuable than the second. The "Apparatus" he designates as a book of rather extraordinary merit and utility. Of the author of both these treatises, some have extolled his talents to the skies, others have depreciated them in proportion. His literary character, however, upon the whole, places him in the first class of bibliographers. Consult thePolyhist. Literar., vol. i., 175. He was one of the earliest bibliographers who attacked the depraved taste of the Italian printers in adopting licentious capital-initial letters. Catherinot, in hisArt d'imprimer, p. 3, makes the same complaint: so Baillet informs us, vol. i., pt. i., p. 13, edit. 1725: vol. iii., pt. 1, p. 78.Schottus'swork,de Bibl. claris Hispaniæ viris, France, 1608, 4to., is forgotten in the splendour of Antonio's similar production; but it had great merit in its day.Jugemens des Savans, vol. ii., pt. 1, 132, edit. 1725.
[111]Bolduanuspublished aTheological(Jenæ, 1614) andPhilosophico Philological(Jenæ, 1616), as well as anHistorical(Lipsiæ, 1620), library; but the latter work has the pre-eminence. Yet the author lived at too great a distance, wanting the requisite materials, and took his account chiefly from the Frankfort catalogues—some of which were sufficiently erroneous.Polyhist. Literar.vol. i., 199. See also the very excellent historical catalogue, comprehending the 1st chap. of Meusel's new edition of Struvius'sBibl. Histor., vol. i., p. 26.Draudius'swork is more distinguished for its arrangement than for its execution in detail. It was very useful, however, at the period when it was published. My edition is of the date of 1611, 4to.: but a second appeared at Frankfort, in 1625, 4to.
The name ofDu Chesnecan never be pronounced by a sensible Frenchman without emotions of gratitude. HisBibliotheca Historiarum Galliæfirst published in the year 1627, 8vo.—although more immediately useful to foreigners than to ourselves, is nevertheless worth mentioning. Morhof, if I recollect aright, supposes there was a still later edition; but he probably confused with this work theSeries Auctorum, &c. de Francorum Historia;[112]of which two handsome folio editions werepublished by Cramoisy. French writers of bibliographical eminence now begin to crowd fast upon us.
[112]The reader will find a good account of some of the scarcer works of Du Chesne in Vogt'sCatalog. Libror. Rarior., p. 248, &c., and of the life and literary labours of this illustrious man in the 7th volume of Niceron'sMemoires des Hommes Illustres.
[112]The reader will find a good account of some of the scarcer works of Du Chesne in Vogt'sCatalog. Libror. Rarior., p. 248, &c., and of the life and literary labours of this illustrious man in the 7th volume of Niceron'sMemoires des Hommes Illustres.
Lis.But what becomes of the English, Spanish, and Italian bibliographers all this while?
Lysand.The reproach of Morhof is I fear too just; namely that, although we had produced some of the most learned, ingenious, and able men in Europe—lovers and patrons of literature—yet our librarians, or university scholars, were too lazy to acquaint the world with the treasures which were contained in the several libraries around them.[113]You cannot expect a field-marshal, or a statesman in office, or a nobleman, or a rich man of extensive connections, immersed in occupations both pressing and unavoidable—doggedly to set down to aCatalogue Raisonnéof his books, or to an analysis of the different branches of literature—while his presence is demanded in the field, in the cabinet, or in the senate—or while all his bells, at home, from the massive outer gate to the retired boudoir, are torn to pieces with ringing and jingling at the annunciation of visitors—you cannot, I say, my good Lisardo, call upon a person, thus occupied, to produce—or expect from him, in a situation thus harassed, the production of—any solid bibliographical publication; but you have surely a right to expect that librarians, or scholars, who spend the greater part of their time in public libraries, will vouchsafe to apply their talents in a way which may be an honour to their patrons, and of service to their country.[114]Not to walkwith folded arms from one extremity of a long room (of 120 feet) to another, and stop at every window to gaze on an industrious gardener, or watch the slow progress of a melancholy crow "making wing to the rooky wood," nor yet, in winter, to sit or stand inflexibly before the fire, with a duodecimo jest book or novel in their hands—but to look around and catch, from the sight of so much wisdom and so much worth, a portion of that laudable emulation with which the Gesners, the Baillets, and the Le Longs were inspired; to hold intimate acquaintance with the illustrious dead; to speak to them without the fear of contradiction; to exclaim over their beauties without the dread of ridicule, or of censure; to thank them for what they have done in transporting us to other times, and introducing us to other worlds; and constantly to feel a deep and unchangeable conviction of the necessity of doing all the good in our power, and in our way, for the benefit of those who are to survive us!
[113]See the note atp. 29, ante. "It is a pity," says Morhof, "that theDutchhad such little curiosity about the literary history of their country—but theEnglishwere yet more negligent and incurious."—And yet, Germany, France, and Italy, had already abounded with treasures of this kind!![114]Senebier, who put forth a very useful and elegantly printed catalogue of the MSS. in the public library of Geneva, 1779, 8vo., has the following observations upon this subject—which I introduce with a necessary proviso, or caution, thatnow-a-dayshis reproaches cannot affect us. We are making ample amends for past negligence; for, to notice no others, the labours of those gentlemen who preside over theBritish Museumabundantly prove our present industry. Thus speaks Senebier: 'Ill sembleroit d'abord étonnant qu'on ait tant tradé à composer le Catalogue des Manuscripts de la Bibliothéque de Genéve; mais on peut faire plus raisonnablement ce reproche aux Bibliothécaires bien payés et uniquement occupés de leur vocation, qui sont les dépositaires de tant de collections précieuses qu'on voit en Italie, en France, en Allemagne, et en Angleterre; ils le mériteront d'autant mieux, qu'ils privent le public des piéces plus précieuses, et qu'ils ont plusieurs aids intelligens qui peuvent les dispenser de la partie le plus méchanique et la plus ennuyeuse de ce travail,' &c.
[113]See the note atp. 29, ante. "It is a pity," says Morhof, "that theDutchhad such little curiosity about the literary history of their country—but theEnglishwere yet more negligent and incurious."—And yet, Germany, France, and Italy, had already abounded with treasures of this kind!!
[114]Senebier, who put forth a very useful and elegantly printed catalogue of the MSS. in the public library of Geneva, 1779, 8vo., has the following observations upon this subject—which I introduce with a necessary proviso, or caution, thatnow-a-dayshis reproaches cannot affect us. We are making ample amends for past negligence; for, to notice no others, the labours of those gentlemen who preside over theBritish Museumabundantly prove our present industry. Thus speaks Senebier: 'Ill sembleroit d'abord étonnant qu'on ait tant tradé à composer le Catalogue des Manuscripts de la Bibliothéque de Genéve; mais on peut faire plus raisonnablement ce reproche aux Bibliothécaires bien payés et uniquement occupés de leur vocation, qui sont les dépositaires de tant de collections précieuses qu'on voit en Italie, en France, en Allemagne, et en Angleterre; ils le mériteront d'autant mieux, qu'ils privent le public des piéces plus précieuses, et qu'ils ont plusieurs aids intelligens qui peuvent les dispenser de la partie le plus méchanique et la plus ennuyeuse de ce travail,' &c.
Phil.Hear him, hear him![115]
[115]This mode of exclamation or expression, like that ofcheering(videp. 20, ante) is also peculiar to our own country; and it is uttered by both friend and foe. Thus, in the senate, when a speaker upon one side of the question happens to put an argument in a strong point of view, those of the same party or mode of thinking exclaim—hear him, hear him!And if he should happen to state any thing that may favour the views, or the mode of thinking, of his opponents, these latter also take advantage of his eloquence, and exclaim,hear him, hear him!Happy the man whom friend and foe alike delight to hear!
[115]This mode of exclamation or expression, like that ofcheering(videp. 20, ante) is also peculiar to our own country; and it is uttered by both friend and foe. Thus, in the senate, when a speaker upon one side of the question happens to put an argument in a strong point of view, those of the same party or mode of thinking exclaim—hear him, hear him!And if he should happen to state any thing that may favour the views, or the mode of thinking, of his opponents, these latter also take advantage of his eloquence, and exclaim,hear him, hear him!Happy the man whom friend and foe alike delight to hear!
Lis.But what is become, in the while, of the English, Italian, and Spanish bibliographers—in the seventeenth century?
Lysand.I beg pardon for the digression; but the less we say of these, during this period, the better;and yet you must permit me to recommend to you the work ofPitseus, our countryman, which grows scarcer every day.[116]We left off, I think, with the mention of Du Chesne's works. Just about this time came forth the elegant little work ofNaudæus;[117]which I advise you both to purchase, as it will cost you but a few shillings, and of the aspect of which you may inform yourselves by taking it down from yonder shelf. Quickly afterwardsClaude Clement, "haud passibus æquis,"put forth hisBibliothecæ tam privatæ quam publicæ[118]extructio, &c.; a work, condemned by the best bibliographical judges. But the splendour of almost every preceding bibliographer's reputation was eclipsed by that arising from the extensive and excellent publications ofLouis Jacob;[119]a name at which, if we except those of Fabricius and Muratori, diligence itself stands amazed; and concerning whose life and labours it is to be regretted that we have not more extended details. The harsh and caustic manner in which Labbe and Morhof have treated the works ofGaddius,[120]induce me only to mention his name, and to warn you against looking for much corn in a barn choked with chaff. Wenow approach the close of the seventeenth century; when, stopping for a few minutes only, to pay our respects toCinelli,Conringius, andLomeier,[121]we must advance to do homage to the more illustrious names of Labbe, Lambecius, and Baillet; not forgetting, however, the equally respectable ones of Antonio and Lipenius.
[116]Pitseus's work "De Rebus Anglicis," Paris, 1619, 4to., vol. i., was written in opposition to Bale's (vid.p. 31, ante). The author was a learned Roman Catholic; but did not live to publish the second volume. I was glad to give Mr. Ford, of Manchester, 1l.16s.for a stained and badly bound copy of it.[117]"Gabriele Naudæonemo vixit suo temporeἐμπειρίαςBibliothecariæ peritior:"Polyhist. Liter., vol. i., 187. "Naudæi scripta omnia et singula præstantissima sunt," Vogt, p. 611. "Les ouvrages de Naudé firent oublier ce qui les avoient précédé." Camus,Mem. de l'Institut., vol. i., 646. After these eulogies, who will refuse this author's "Avis pour dresser une Bibliothéque, Paris, 1627, 1644, 8vo." a place upon his shelf? Unluckily, it rarely comes across the search of the keenest collector. The other, yet scarcer, productions of Naudé will be found well described in Vogt'sCatalog. Libror. Rarior., p. 610. The reader of ancient politics may rejoice in the possession of what is called, the "Mascurat"—and "Considerations politiques"—concerning which Vogt is gloriously diffuse; and Peignot (who has copied from him, without acknowledgement—Bibliogr. Curieuse, pp. 49, 50,) may as well be consulted. But the bibliographer will prefer the "Additions à l'Histoire de Louis XI.," 1630, 8vo., and agree with Mailchelius that a work so uncommon and so curious "ought to be reprinted." See the latter's amusing little book "De Præcipuis Bibliothecis Parisiensibus," pp. 66, 67, &c. Naudæus was librarian to the famous Cardinal Mazarin, the great Mæcenas of his day; whose library, consisting of upwards of forty thousand volumes, was the most beautiful and extensive one which France had then ever seen. Its enthusiastic librarian, whom I must be allowed to call a very wonderful bibliomaniac, made constant journeys, and entered into a perpetual correspondence, relating to books and literary curiosities. He died at Abbeville in 1653, in his 53rd year, on returning from Sweden, where the famous Christian had invited him. Naudæus's "Avis, &c.", [ut supr.] was translated by Chaline; but his "Avis à Nosseigneurs du Parlement, &c." 1652, 4to.—upon the sale of the Cardinal's library—and his "Remise de laBihliothéque[Du Cardinal]entre le mains de M. Tubeuf, 1651," are much scarcer productions. A few of these particulars are gathered from Peignot'sDict. de laBibliolologie, vol. ii., p. 1—consult also hisDict. Portatif de Bibliographie, p. v. In the former work I expected a copious piece of biography; yet, short as it is, Peignot has subjoined a curious note from Naudé's "Considerations politiques"—in which the author had the hardihood to defend the massacre upon St. Bartholomew's day, by one of the strangest modes of reasoning ever adopted by a rational being.[118]This work, in four books, was published at Lyons, 1635, 4to. If it be not quite "Much ado about nothing"—it exhibits, at least, a great waste of ink and paper. Morhof seems to seize with avidity Baillet's lively sentence of condemnation—"Il y a trop de babil et trop de ce que nous appellonsfatras," &c.[119]Le PereLouys Jacobpublished his "Traicté des plus belles Bibliothéques publiques et particulières, qui ont esté, et qui sont à présents dans le monde," at Paris, in 1644—again in 1655, 8vo.—in which he first brought together the scattered notices relating to libraries, especially to modern ones. His work is well worth consultation; although Baillet and Morhof do not speak in direct terms of praise concerning it—and the latter seems a little angry at his giving the preference to the Parisian libraries over those of other countries. It must be remembered that this was published as an unfinished production: as such, the author's curiosity and research are highly to be commended. I have read the greater part of it with considerable satisfaction. The same person meditated the execution of a vast work in four folio volumes—called "La Bibliothéque universelle de tous les Autheurs de France, qui ont escrits en quelque sorte de sciences et de langues"—which, in fact, was completed in 1638: but, on the death of the author it does not appear what became of it. Jacob also gave an account of books as they were published at Paris, and in other parts of France, from the year 1643 to 1650; which was printed under the title ofBibliographia Parisina, Paris, 1651, 4to. ConsultPolyhist. Liter., vol. i., pp. 189, 202:Bibl. Creven., vol. v., pp. 281, 287.Jugemens des Savans, vol. ii., p. 151.[120]He published a work entitled "De scriptoribus non-ecclesiasticis," 1648, vol. i., 1649, vol. ii., folio: in which his opinions upon authors are given in the most jejune and rash manner. His other works, which would form a little library, are reviewed by Leti with sufficient severity: but the poor man was crack brained! And yet some curious and uncommon things, gleaned from MSS. which had probably never been unrolled or opened since their execution, are to be found in this "Sciolum Florentinum," as Labbe calls him. Consult thePolyhist. Literar., vol. i., p. 175.[121]Magliabechi putCinelliupon publishing hisBibliotheca Volante, 1677, 8vo., a pretty work, with a happy title!—being an indiscriminate account of some rare books which the author picked up in his travels, or saw in libraries. It was republished, with valuable additions, by Sancassani, at Venice, in 1734, 4to. SeeCat. de Lomenie, No. 2563. Works of this sort form theAnaof bibliography!Conringiuscompiled a charming bibliographical work, in an epistolary form, under the title ofBibliotheca Augusta; which was published at Helmstadt, in 1661, 4to.—being an account of the library of the Duke of Brunswick, in the castle of Wolfenbuttle. Two thousand manuscripts, and one hundred and sixteen thousand printed volumes, were then contained in this celebrated collection. Happy the owner of such treasures—happy the man who describes them!Lomeier's, or Lomejer's "De Bibliothecis Liber singularis," Ultraj, 1669-1680, 8vo., is considered by Baillet among the best works upon the subject of ancient and modern libraries. From this book, Le SieurLe Galloisstole the most valuable part of his materials for his "Traité des plus belles Bibliothéques de l'Europe," 1685, 1697—12mo.: the title at full length (a sufficiently imposing one!) may be seen inBibé. Crevenn., vol. v., p. 281; upon this latter treatise, Morhof cuttingly remarks—"Magnos ille titulus strepitus facit: sed pro thesauris carbones."Polyhist. Literar., vol. i., p. 191. See also "Jugemens des Savans," vol. ii., p. 152. Gallois dispatches the English libraries in little more than a page. I possess the second edition of Lomeier's book (1680—with both its title pages), which is the last and best—and an interesting little volume it is! The celebrated Grævius used to speak very favourably of this work.
[116]Pitseus's work "De Rebus Anglicis," Paris, 1619, 4to., vol. i., was written in opposition to Bale's (vid.p. 31, ante). The author was a learned Roman Catholic; but did not live to publish the second volume. I was glad to give Mr. Ford, of Manchester, 1l.16s.for a stained and badly bound copy of it.
[117]"Gabriele Naudæonemo vixit suo temporeἐμπειρίαςBibliothecariæ peritior:"Polyhist. Liter., vol. i., 187. "Naudæi scripta omnia et singula præstantissima sunt," Vogt, p. 611. "Les ouvrages de Naudé firent oublier ce qui les avoient précédé." Camus,Mem. de l'Institut., vol. i., 646. After these eulogies, who will refuse this author's "Avis pour dresser une Bibliothéque, Paris, 1627, 1644, 8vo." a place upon his shelf? Unluckily, it rarely comes across the search of the keenest collector. The other, yet scarcer, productions of Naudé will be found well described in Vogt'sCatalog. Libror. Rarior., p. 610. The reader of ancient politics may rejoice in the possession of what is called, the "Mascurat"—and "Considerations politiques"—concerning which Vogt is gloriously diffuse; and Peignot (who has copied from him, without acknowledgement—Bibliogr. Curieuse, pp. 49, 50,) may as well be consulted. But the bibliographer will prefer the "Additions à l'Histoire de Louis XI.," 1630, 8vo., and agree with Mailchelius that a work so uncommon and so curious "ought to be reprinted." See the latter's amusing little book "De Præcipuis Bibliothecis Parisiensibus," pp. 66, 67, &c. Naudæus was librarian to the famous Cardinal Mazarin, the great Mæcenas of his day; whose library, consisting of upwards of forty thousand volumes, was the most beautiful and extensive one which France had then ever seen. Its enthusiastic librarian, whom I must be allowed to call a very wonderful bibliomaniac, made constant journeys, and entered into a perpetual correspondence, relating to books and literary curiosities. He died at Abbeville in 1653, in his 53rd year, on returning from Sweden, where the famous Christian had invited him. Naudæus's "Avis, &c.", [ut supr.] was translated by Chaline; but his "Avis à Nosseigneurs du Parlement, &c." 1652, 4to.—upon the sale of the Cardinal's library—and his "Remise de laBihliothéque[Du Cardinal]entre le mains de M. Tubeuf, 1651," are much scarcer productions. A few of these particulars are gathered from Peignot'sDict. de laBibliolologie, vol. ii., p. 1—consult also hisDict. Portatif de Bibliographie, p. v. In the former work I expected a copious piece of biography; yet, short as it is, Peignot has subjoined a curious note from Naudé's "Considerations politiques"—in which the author had the hardihood to defend the massacre upon St. Bartholomew's day, by one of the strangest modes of reasoning ever adopted by a rational being.
[118]This work, in four books, was published at Lyons, 1635, 4to. If it be not quite "Much ado about nothing"—it exhibits, at least, a great waste of ink and paper. Morhof seems to seize with avidity Baillet's lively sentence of condemnation—"Il y a trop de babil et trop de ce que nous appellonsfatras," &c.
[119]Le PereLouys Jacobpublished his "Traicté des plus belles Bibliothéques publiques et particulières, qui ont esté, et qui sont à présents dans le monde," at Paris, in 1644—again in 1655, 8vo.—in which he first brought together the scattered notices relating to libraries, especially to modern ones. His work is well worth consultation; although Baillet and Morhof do not speak in direct terms of praise concerning it—and the latter seems a little angry at his giving the preference to the Parisian libraries over those of other countries. It must be remembered that this was published as an unfinished production: as such, the author's curiosity and research are highly to be commended. I have read the greater part of it with considerable satisfaction. The same person meditated the execution of a vast work in four folio volumes—called "La Bibliothéque universelle de tous les Autheurs de France, qui ont escrits en quelque sorte de sciences et de langues"—which, in fact, was completed in 1638: but, on the death of the author it does not appear what became of it. Jacob also gave an account of books as they were published at Paris, and in other parts of France, from the year 1643 to 1650; which was printed under the title ofBibliographia Parisina, Paris, 1651, 4to. ConsultPolyhist. Liter., vol. i., pp. 189, 202:Bibl. Creven., vol. v., pp. 281, 287.Jugemens des Savans, vol. ii., p. 151.
[120]He published a work entitled "De scriptoribus non-ecclesiasticis," 1648, vol. i., 1649, vol. ii., folio: in which his opinions upon authors are given in the most jejune and rash manner. His other works, which would form a little library, are reviewed by Leti with sufficient severity: but the poor man was crack brained! And yet some curious and uncommon things, gleaned from MSS. which had probably never been unrolled or opened since their execution, are to be found in this "Sciolum Florentinum," as Labbe calls him. Consult thePolyhist. Literar., vol. i., p. 175.
[121]Magliabechi putCinelliupon publishing hisBibliotheca Volante, 1677, 8vo., a pretty work, with a happy title!—being an indiscriminate account of some rare books which the author picked up in his travels, or saw in libraries. It was republished, with valuable additions, by Sancassani, at Venice, in 1734, 4to. SeeCat. de Lomenie, No. 2563. Works of this sort form theAnaof bibliography!Conringiuscompiled a charming bibliographical work, in an epistolary form, under the title ofBibliotheca Augusta; which was published at Helmstadt, in 1661, 4to.—being an account of the library of the Duke of Brunswick, in the castle of Wolfenbuttle. Two thousand manuscripts, and one hundred and sixteen thousand printed volumes, were then contained in this celebrated collection. Happy the owner of such treasures—happy the man who describes them!Lomeier's, or Lomejer's "De Bibliothecis Liber singularis," Ultraj, 1669-1680, 8vo., is considered by Baillet among the best works upon the subject of ancient and modern libraries. From this book, Le SieurLe Galloisstole the most valuable part of his materials for his "Traité des plus belles Bibliothéques de l'Europe," 1685, 1697—12mo.: the title at full length (a sufficiently imposing one!) may be seen inBibé. Crevenn., vol. v., p. 281; upon this latter treatise, Morhof cuttingly remarks—"Magnos ille titulus strepitus facit: sed pro thesauris carbones."Polyhist. Literar., vol. i., p. 191. See also "Jugemens des Savans," vol. ii., p. 152. Gallois dispatches the English libraries in little more than a page. I possess the second edition of Lomeier's book (1680—with both its title pages), which is the last and best—and an interesting little volume it is! The celebrated Grævius used to speak very favourably of this work.
Lis.Pray discuss their works, or merits,seriatim, as the judges call it; for I feel overwhelmed at the stringing together of such trisyllabic names. These gentlemen, as well as almost every one of their predecessors, are strangers to me; and you know my bashfulness and confusion in such sort of company.
Lysand.I hope to make you better acquainted with them after a slight introduction, and so rid you of such an uncomfortable diffidence. Let us begin withLabbe,[122]who died in the year 1667, and in the sixtieth of his own age; a man of wonderful memory and of as wonderful application—whose whole life, according to his biographers, was consumed in gathering flowers from his predecessors, and thence weaving such a chaplet for his own brows as was never to know decay. HisNova Bibliotheca, andBibliotheca Bibliothecarum Manuscriptorum, are the principal works which endear his memory to bibliographers. More learned than Labbe wasLambecius;[123]whoseCommentarii de Bibliotheca Cæsareâ-Vindobonensis, with Nesselius's supplement to the same, [1696, 2 vols. fol.] and Kollarius's new edition of both, form one of the most curious and important, as well as elaborate, productions in the annals of literature and bibliography. Less extensive, but more select, valuable, and accurate, in its choice and execution of objects, is theBibliotheca Hispana Vetus et Novaof NicholasAntonio;[124]the first, and the best, bibliographical work which Spain, notwithstanding her fine palaces and libraries, has ever produced. If neither Philemon nor yourself, Lisardo, possess this latter work [and I do not see it upon the shelves of this cabinet], seek for it withavidity; and do not fear the pistoles which the purchase of it may cost you.Lipenius[125]now claims a moment's notice; of whoseBibliotheca RealisMorhof is inclined to speak more favourably than other critics. 'Tis in six volumes; and it appeared from the years 1679 to 1685 inclusive. Not inferior to either of the preceding authors in taste, erudition, and the number and importance of his works, wasAdrien Baillet;[126]the simple pastor ofLardiéres, and latterly the learned and indefatigable librarian of Lamoignon. HisJugemens des Savans, edited by De la Monnoye, is one of those works with which no man, fond of typographical and bibliographical pursuits, can comfortably dispense. I had nearly forgotten to warn you against the capricious works ofBeughem; a man, nevertheless, of wonderful mental elasticity; butfor ever planning schemes too vast and too visionary for the human powers to execute.[127]
[122]"Vir, qui in texendis catalogis totam pene vitam consumpsit." "Homo ad Lexica et Catalogos conficiendos a naturâ factus." Such is Morhof's account ofLabbe; who, in the works above-mentioned, in the text, has obtained an unperishable reputation as a bibliographer. TheBibliotheca Bibliothecarum, thick duodecimo, or crown octavo, has run through several impressions; of which the Leipsic edit. of 1682, is as good as any; butTeisser, in his work under the same title, 1686, 4to., has greatly excelled Labbe's production, as well by his corrections of errata as by his additions of some hundreds of authors. TheBibliotheca Nummariais another of Labbe's well-known performances: in the first part of which he gives an account of those who have written concerning medals—in the second part, of those who havepublisheseparate accounts of coins, weights, and measures. This is usually appended to the preceding work, and is so published by Teisser. TheMantissa Suppellectiliswas an unfinished production; and theSpecimen novæ Bibliothecæ Manuscriptorum Librorum, Paris, 1653, 4to., is too imperfectly executed for the exercise of rigid criticism; although Baillet calls it 'useful and curious.' Consult thePolyhist. Literar., vol. i., 197, 203: andJugemens des Savans, vol. ii., pt. 1, p. 24, edit. 1725. A list of Labbe's works, finished, unfinished, and projected, was published at Paris, in 1656 and 1662. He was joint editor with Cossart of that tremendously voluminous work—the "Collectio Maxima Conciliorum"—1672, 18 volumes, folio.[123]Lambeciusdied at, one may almost say, the premature age of 52: and the above work (in eight folio volumes), which was left unfinished in consequence, (being published between the years 1665-79 inclusive) gives us a magnificent idea of what its author would have accomplished [see particularly ReimanniBibl. Acroamatica, p. 51] had it pleased Providence to prolong so valuable an existence. It was originally sold for 24imperiali; but at the commencement of the 18th century for not less than 80thaleri, and a copy of it was scarcely ever to be met with. Two reasons have been assigned for its great rarity, and especially for that of the 8th volume; the one, that Lambecius's heir, impatient at the slow sale of the work, sold many copies of it to the keepers of herb-stalls: the other, that, when the author was lying on his death-bed, his servant maid, at the suggestion and from the stinginess of the same heir, burnt many copies of this eighth volume [which had recently left the press] to light the fire in the chamber. This intelligence I glean from Vogt, p. 495: it had escaped Baillet and Morhof. But consult De Bure, vol. vi., Nos. 6004-5. Reimannus published aBibliotheca Acroamatica, Hanov., 1712, 8vo., which is both an entertaining volume and a useful compendium of Lambecius's immense work. But in the years 1766-82,Kollariuspublished a new and improved edition of the entire commentaries, in six folio volumes; embodying in this gigantic undertaking the remarks which were scattered in his "Analecta Monumentorum omnis ævi Vindobonensia," in two folio volumes, 1761. A posthumous work of Kollarius, as a supplement to his new edition of Lambecius's Commentaries, was published in one folio volume, 1790. A complete set of these volumes of Kollarius's bibliographical labours, relating to the Vienna library, was in Serna Santander's catalogue, vol. iv., no. 6291, as well as in Krohn's: in which latter [nos. 3554, 3562] there are some useful notices. See my account ofM. Denis: post. Critics have accused these "Commentaries concerning the MSS. in the imperial library at Vienna," as containing a great deal of rambling and desultory matter; but the vast erudition, minute research, and unabateable diligence of its author, will for ever secure to him the voice of public praise, as loud and as hearty as he has received it from his abridger Reimannus. In these volumes appeared the first account of the Psalter, printed at Mentz in 1457, which was mistaken by Lambecius for a MS. The reader will forgive my referring him to a little essay upon this and the subsequent Psalters, printed at Mentz, in 1459, 1490, &c., which was published by me in the 2nd volume of theAthenæum, p. 360, 490.[124]Morhof considers the labours ofAntonioas models of composition in their way. His grand work began to be published in 1672, 2 vols., folio—being theBibliotheca Hispana Nova: this was succeeded, in 1696, by theBibliotheca Hispana Antiqua—in two folio volumes: the prefaces and indexes contain every thing to satisfy the hearts of Spanish Literati. A new edition of the first work was published at Madrid, in 1783, 2 vols., folio; and of the latter work, in 1788, 2 vols., folio.—These recent editions are very rarely to be met with in our own country: abroad, they seem to have materially lowered the prices of the ancient ones, which had become excessively scarce. SeePolyhist Literar., vol. i., 203-4:Dictionn. Bibliogr., vol. iv., p. 22: andMem. de l'Inst., vol. i., 651. Let us here not forget the learned MichaelCasiri'sBibliotheca Arabico-Hispana Escorialensis, published in two superb folio volumes at Madrid in 1760. All these useful and splendid works place the Spaniards upon a high footing with their fellow-labourers in the same respectable career. De La Serna Santander tells us that Casiri's work is dear, and highly respected by the Literati. SeeCap. de Santander, vol iv., no. 6296.[125]TheBibliotheca Realis, &c., ofLipeniuscontains an account of works published in the departments ofJurisprudence,Medicine,Philosophy, andTheology: of these, theBibliotheca Theologica, etPhilosophica, are considered by Morhof as the best executed. TheBibl. Juridicawas, however, republished at Leipsic in two folio volumes, 1757, with considerable additions. This latter is the last Leipsic reprint of it. Saxius notices only the re-impressions of 1720, 1736, 1742. See hisOnomast. Lit., vol. v., 588. I will just notice theBibliotheca Vetus et RecensofKoenigius, 1678, folio—as chart-makers notice shoals—to be avoided. I had long thrown it out of my own collection before I read its condemnation by Morhof. Perhaps the following account of certain works, which appear to have escaped the recollection of Lysander, may not be unacceptable. In the year 1653, FatherRaynaud, whose lucubrations fill 20 folio volumes, published a quarto volume at Lyons, under the title of "Erotemata de malis ac bonis Libris, deque justa aut injusta eorum conditione;" which heborowedin part from the "Theotimus, seu de tollendis et expurgandis malis libris," (Paris, 1549, 8vo.) of GabrielPuhtherb. Of these two works,ifwere difficult to determine which is preferable. The bibliographer need not deeply lament the want of either: consult thePolyhist. Literar., vol. i., 177. In the year 1670,Voglerpublished a very sensible "Universalis in notitiam cujusque generis bonorum Scriptorum Introductio"—of this work two subsequent editions, one in 1691, the other in 1700, 4to., were published at Helmstadt. The last is the best; but the second, to him who has neither, is also worth purchasing. The seven dissertations "De Libris legendis" ofBartholin, Hafniæ, 1676, 8vo., are deserving of a good coat and a front row in the bibliographer's cabinet. "Parvæ quidem molis liberest, sed in quo quasi constipata sunt utilissima de libris monita et notitiæ ad multas disciplinas utiles." So speaks Morhof.[126]Adrien Bailletwas the eldest of seven children born in a second marriage. His parents were in moderate circumstances: but Adrien very shortly displaying a love of study and of book-collecting, no means, compatible with their situation, were left untried by his parents to gratify the wishes of so promising a child. From his earliest youth, he had a strong predilection for the church; and as a classical and appropriate education was then easily to be procured in France, he went from school to college, and at seventeen years of age had amassed, in two fair sized volumes, a quantity of extracts from clever works; which, perhaps having Beza's example in his mind, he entitledJuvenilia. His masters saw and applauded his diligence; and a rest of only five hours each night, during two years and a half of this youthful period, afforded Baillet such opportunities of acquiring knowledge as rarely fall to the lot of a young man. This habit of short repose had not forsaken him in his riper years: "he considered and treated his body as an insolent enemy, which required constant subjection; he would not suffer it to rest more than five hours each night; he recruited it with only one meal a day—drank no wine—never came near the fire—and walked out but once a week." The consequence of this absurd regime was that Baillet had ulcers in his legs, an erysipelatous affection over his body, and was, in other respects, afflicted as sedentary men usually are, who are glued to their seats from morn till night, never mix in society, and rarely breathe the pure air of heaven. These maladies shortened the days of Baillet; after he had faithfully served theLamoignonsas a librarian of unparalleled diligence and sagacity; leaving behind him a "Catalogue des Matieres," in 35 volumes folio. "All the curious used to come and see this catalogue: many bishops and magistrates requested to have either copies or abridgments of it." When Baillet was dragged, by his friend M. Hermant, from his obscure vicarage of Lardiéres, to be Lamoignon's librarian, he seems to have been beside himself for joy.—"I want a man of such and such qualities," said Lamoignon.—"I will bring one exactly to suit you," replied Hermant—"but you must put up with a diseased and repulsive exterior."—"Nous avons besoin de fond," said the sensible patron, "la forme ne m'embarasse point; l'air de ce pays, et un grain de sel discret, fera le reste: il en trouvera ici." Baillet came, and his biographer tells us that Lamoignon and Hermant "furent ravis de le voir." To the eternal honour of the family in which he resided, the crazy body and nervous mind of Baillet met with the tenderest treatment. Madame Lamoignon and her son (the latter, a thorough bred bibliomaniac; who, under the auspices of his master, soon eclipsed the book celebrity of his father) always took a pleasure in anticipating his wishes, soothing his irritabilities, promoting his views, and speaking loudly and constantly of the virtues of his head and heart. The last moments of Baillet were marked with true Christian piety and fortitude; and his last breath breathed a blessing upon his benefactors. He died A.D. 1706, ætatis 56. Rest his ashes in peace!—and come we now to his bibliographical publications. His "Jugemens des Savans," was first published in 1685, &c., in nine duodecimo volumes. Two other similar volumes ofAnti Bailletsucceeded it. The success and profits of this work were very considerable. In the year 1722, a new edition of it in seven volumes, quarto, was undertaken and completed by De La Monnoye, with notes by the editor, and additions of the original author. The "Anti Baillet" formed the 8th volume. In the year 1725, De La Monnoye's edition, with his notes placed under the text—the corrections and additions incorporated—and two volumes of fresh matter, including the Anti Baillet—was republished at Amsterdam, in eight duodecimo volumes, forming 16 parts, and being, in every respect, the best edition of theJugemens des Savans. The curious, however, should obtain the portrait of Baillet prefixed to the edition of 1722; as the copy of it in the latter edition is a most wretched performance. These particulars, perhaps a little too long and tedious, are gleaned from the "Abregé" de la Vie de Baillet, printed in the two last editions of the work just described.[127]It will not be necessary to noticeallthe multifarious productions, in MS. and in print, of this indefatigable bibliographer; who had cut out work enough for the lives of ten men, each succeeding the other, and well employed from morn 'till even, to execute. This is Marchand's round criticism:Dict. Hist.vol. i., p. 100. Beughem'sIncunabula Typographica, 1688, 12mo., is both jejune and grossly erroneous. The "Bibliographia Eruditorum Critico-Curiosa," 1689, 1701, 4 vols., 12mo., being an alphabetical account of writers—extracts from whom are in the public literary Journals of Europe from 1665 to 1700—with the title of their works—is Beughem's best production, and if each volume had not had a separate alphabet, and contained additions upon additions, the work would have proved highly useful. His "Gallia Euridita," Amst., 1683, 12mo., is miserably perplexing. In addition to Marchand, consult thePolyhist. Literar.of Morhof, vol. i., p. 179; and the note therein subjoined. See also "Bibl. Creven.," vol. v., p. 298:Cat. de Santander, vol. iv., nos. 6273-4: 6281-2.
[122]"Vir, qui in texendis catalogis totam pene vitam consumpsit." "Homo ad Lexica et Catalogos conficiendos a naturâ factus." Such is Morhof's account ofLabbe; who, in the works above-mentioned, in the text, has obtained an unperishable reputation as a bibliographer. TheBibliotheca Bibliothecarum, thick duodecimo, or crown octavo, has run through several impressions; of which the Leipsic edit. of 1682, is as good as any; butTeisser, in his work under the same title, 1686, 4to., has greatly excelled Labbe's production, as well by his corrections of errata as by his additions of some hundreds of authors. TheBibliotheca Nummariais another of Labbe's well-known performances: in the first part of which he gives an account of those who have written concerning medals—in the second part, of those who havepublisheseparate accounts of coins, weights, and measures. This is usually appended to the preceding work, and is so published by Teisser. TheMantissa Suppellectiliswas an unfinished production; and theSpecimen novæ Bibliothecæ Manuscriptorum Librorum, Paris, 1653, 4to., is too imperfectly executed for the exercise of rigid criticism; although Baillet calls it 'useful and curious.' Consult thePolyhist. Literar., vol. i., 197, 203: andJugemens des Savans, vol. ii., pt. 1, p. 24, edit. 1725. A list of Labbe's works, finished, unfinished, and projected, was published at Paris, in 1656 and 1662. He was joint editor with Cossart of that tremendously voluminous work—the "Collectio Maxima Conciliorum"—1672, 18 volumes, folio.
[123]Lambeciusdied at, one may almost say, the premature age of 52: and the above work (in eight folio volumes), which was left unfinished in consequence, (being published between the years 1665-79 inclusive) gives us a magnificent idea of what its author would have accomplished [see particularly ReimanniBibl. Acroamatica, p. 51] had it pleased Providence to prolong so valuable an existence. It was originally sold for 24imperiali; but at the commencement of the 18th century for not less than 80thaleri, and a copy of it was scarcely ever to be met with. Two reasons have been assigned for its great rarity, and especially for that of the 8th volume; the one, that Lambecius's heir, impatient at the slow sale of the work, sold many copies of it to the keepers of herb-stalls: the other, that, when the author was lying on his death-bed, his servant maid, at the suggestion and from the stinginess of the same heir, burnt many copies of this eighth volume [which had recently left the press] to light the fire in the chamber. This intelligence I glean from Vogt, p. 495: it had escaped Baillet and Morhof. But consult De Bure, vol. vi., Nos. 6004-5. Reimannus published aBibliotheca Acroamatica, Hanov., 1712, 8vo., which is both an entertaining volume and a useful compendium of Lambecius's immense work. But in the years 1766-82,Kollariuspublished a new and improved edition of the entire commentaries, in six folio volumes; embodying in this gigantic undertaking the remarks which were scattered in his "Analecta Monumentorum omnis ævi Vindobonensia," in two folio volumes, 1761. A posthumous work of Kollarius, as a supplement to his new edition of Lambecius's Commentaries, was published in one folio volume, 1790. A complete set of these volumes of Kollarius's bibliographical labours, relating to the Vienna library, was in Serna Santander's catalogue, vol. iv., no. 6291, as well as in Krohn's: in which latter [nos. 3554, 3562] there are some useful notices. See my account ofM. Denis: post. Critics have accused these "Commentaries concerning the MSS. in the imperial library at Vienna," as containing a great deal of rambling and desultory matter; but the vast erudition, minute research, and unabateable diligence of its author, will for ever secure to him the voice of public praise, as loud and as hearty as he has received it from his abridger Reimannus. In these volumes appeared the first account of the Psalter, printed at Mentz in 1457, which was mistaken by Lambecius for a MS. The reader will forgive my referring him to a little essay upon this and the subsequent Psalters, printed at Mentz, in 1459, 1490, &c., which was published by me in the 2nd volume of theAthenæum, p. 360, 490.
[124]Morhof considers the labours ofAntonioas models of composition in their way. His grand work began to be published in 1672, 2 vols., folio—being theBibliotheca Hispana Nova: this was succeeded, in 1696, by theBibliotheca Hispana Antiqua—in two folio volumes: the prefaces and indexes contain every thing to satisfy the hearts of Spanish Literati. A new edition of the first work was published at Madrid, in 1783, 2 vols., folio; and of the latter work, in 1788, 2 vols., folio.—These recent editions are very rarely to be met with in our own country: abroad, they seem to have materially lowered the prices of the ancient ones, which had become excessively scarce. SeePolyhist Literar., vol. i., 203-4:Dictionn. Bibliogr., vol. iv., p. 22: andMem. de l'Inst., vol. i., 651. Let us here not forget the learned MichaelCasiri'sBibliotheca Arabico-Hispana Escorialensis, published in two superb folio volumes at Madrid in 1760. All these useful and splendid works place the Spaniards upon a high footing with their fellow-labourers in the same respectable career. De La Serna Santander tells us that Casiri's work is dear, and highly respected by the Literati. SeeCap. de Santander, vol iv., no. 6296.
[125]TheBibliotheca Realis, &c., ofLipeniuscontains an account of works published in the departments ofJurisprudence,Medicine,Philosophy, andTheology: of these, theBibliotheca Theologica, etPhilosophica, are considered by Morhof as the best executed. TheBibl. Juridicawas, however, republished at Leipsic in two folio volumes, 1757, with considerable additions. This latter is the last Leipsic reprint of it. Saxius notices only the re-impressions of 1720, 1736, 1742. See hisOnomast. Lit., vol. v., 588. I will just notice theBibliotheca Vetus et RecensofKoenigius, 1678, folio—as chart-makers notice shoals—to be avoided. I had long thrown it out of my own collection before I read its condemnation by Morhof. Perhaps the following account of certain works, which appear to have escaped the recollection of Lysander, may not be unacceptable. In the year 1653, FatherRaynaud, whose lucubrations fill 20 folio volumes, published a quarto volume at Lyons, under the title of "Erotemata de malis ac bonis Libris, deque justa aut injusta eorum conditione;" which heborowedin part from the "Theotimus, seu de tollendis et expurgandis malis libris," (Paris, 1549, 8vo.) of GabrielPuhtherb. Of these two works,ifwere difficult to determine which is preferable. The bibliographer need not deeply lament the want of either: consult thePolyhist. Literar., vol. i., 177. In the year 1670,Voglerpublished a very sensible "Universalis in notitiam cujusque generis bonorum Scriptorum Introductio"—of this work two subsequent editions, one in 1691, the other in 1700, 4to., were published at Helmstadt. The last is the best; but the second, to him who has neither, is also worth purchasing. The seven dissertations "De Libris legendis" ofBartholin, Hafniæ, 1676, 8vo., are deserving of a good coat and a front row in the bibliographer's cabinet. "Parvæ quidem molis liberest, sed in quo quasi constipata sunt utilissima de libris monita et notitiæ ad multas disciplinas utiles." So speaks Morhof.
[126]Adrien Bailletwas the eldest of seven children born in a second marriage. His parents were in moderate circumstances: but Adrien very shortly displaying a love of study and of book-collecting, no means, compatible with their situation, were left untried by his parents to gratify the wishes of so promising a child. From his earliest youth, he had a strong predilection for the church; and as a classical and appropriate education was then easily to be procured in France, he went from school to college, and at seventeen years of age had amassed, in two fair sized volumes, a quantity of extracts from clever works; which, perhaps having Beza's example in his mind, he entitledJuvenilia. His masters saw and applauded his diligence; and a rest of only five hours each night, during two years and a half of this youthful period, afforded Baillet such opportunities of acquiring knowledge as rarely fall to the lot of a young man. This habit of short repose had not forsaken him in his riper years: "he considered and treated his body as an insolent enemy, which required constant subjection; he would not suffer it to rest more than five hours each night; he recruited it with only one meal a day—drank no wine—never came near the fire—and walked out but once a week." The consequence of this absurd regime was that Baillet had ulcers in his legs, an erysipelatous affection over his body, and was, in other respects, afflicted as sedentary men usually are, who are glued to their seats from morn till night, never mix in society, and rarely breathe the pure air of heaven. These maladies shortened the days of Baillet; after he had faithfully served theLamoignonsas a librarian of unparalleled diligence and sagacity; leaving behind him a "Catalogue des Matieres," in 35 volumes folio. "All the curious used to come and see this catalogue: many bishops and magistrates requested to have either copies or abridgments of it." When Baillet was dragged, by his friend M. Hermant, from his obscure vicarage of Lardiéres, to be Lamoignon's librarian, he seems to have been beside himself for joy.—"I want a man of such and such qualities," said Lamoignon.—"I will bring one exactly to suit you," replied Hermant—"but you must put up with a diseased and repulsive exterior."—"Nous avons besoin de fond," said the sensible patron, "la forme ne m'embarasse point; l'air de ce pays, et un grain de sel discret, fera le reste: il en trouvera ici." Baillet came, and his biographer tells us that Lamoignon and Hermant "furent ravis de le voir." To the eternal honour of the family in which he resided, the crazy body and nervous mind of Baillet met with the tenderest treatment. Madame Lamoignon and her son (the latter, a thorough bred bibliomaniac; who, under the auspices of his master, soon eclipsed the book celebrity of his father) always took a pleasure in anticipating his wishes, soothing his irritabilities, promoting his views, and speaking loudly and constantly of the virtues of his head and heart. The last moments of Baillet were marked with true Christian piety and fortitude; and his last breath breathed a blessing upon his benefactors. He died A.D. 1706, ætatis 56. Rest his ashes in peace!—and come we now to his bibliographical publications. His "Jugemens des Savans," was first published in 1685, &c., in nine duodecimo volumes. Two other similar volumes ofAnti Bailletsucceeded it. The success and profits of this work were very considerable. In the year 1722, a new edition of it in seven volumes, quarto, was undertaken and completed by De La Monnoye, with notes by the editor, and additions of the original author. The "Anti Baillet" formed the 8th volume. In the year 1725, De La Monnoye's edition, with his notes placed under the text—the corrections and additions incorporated—and two volumes of fresh matter, including the Anti Baillet—was republished at Amsterdam, in eight duodecimo volumes, forming 16 parts, and being, in every respect, the best edition of theJugemens des Savans. The curious, however, should obtain the portrait of Baillet prefixed to the edition of 1722; as the copy of it in the latter edition is a most wretched performance. These particulars, perhaps a little too long and tedious, are gleaned from the "Abregé" de la Vie de Baillet, printed in the two last editions of the work just described.
[127]It will not be necessary to noticeallthe multifarious productions, in MS. and in print, of this indefatigable bibliographer; who had cut out work enough for the lives of ten men, each succeeding the other, and well employed from morn 'till even, to execute. This is Marchand's round criticism:Dict. Hist.vol. i., p. 100. Beughem'sIncunabula Typographica, 1688, 12mo., is both jejune and grossly erroneous. The "Bibliographia Eruditorum Critico-Curiosa," 1689, 1701, 4 vols., 12mo., being an alphabetical account of writers—extracts from whom are in the public literary Journals of Europe from 1665 to 1700—with the title of their works—is Beughem's best production, and if each volume had not had a separate alphabet, and contained additions upon additions, the work would have proved highly useful. His "Gallia Euridita," Amst., 1683, 12mo., is miserably perplexing. In addition to Marchand, consult thePolyhist. Literar.of Morhof, vol. i., p. 179; and the note therein subjoined. See also "Bibl. Creven.," vol. v., p. 298:Cat. de Santander, vol. iv., nos. 6273-4: 6281-2.
Phil.You have at length reached the close of the 17th century; but my limited knowledge of bibliographical literature supplies me with the recollection of two names which you have passed over: I mean,Thomas BlountandAntony-a-wood. There is surely something in these authors relating to editions of the works of the learned.
Lysand.You have anticipated me in the mention of these names. I had not forgotten them. With the former,[128]I have no very intimate acquaintance; but of the latter I could talk in commendation till dinner time. Be sure, my good Lisardo, that you obtainbotheditions of theAthenæ Oxoniensis.[129]
[128]Sir Thomas Pope Blount's "Censura Celebriorum Authorum," Londini, 1690, folio, is unquestionably a learned work—the production of a rural and retired life—"Umbraticam enim vitam et ab omni strepitu remotam semper in delitiis habui,"—says its author, in the preface. It treats chiefly of the most learned men, and sparingly of the English. His "Remarks upon Poetry," Lond., 1694, 4to. (in English) is more frequently read and referred to. It is a pity that he had not left out the whole of what relates to the Greek and Latin, and confined himself entirely to the English, poets. A life of Sir Thomas Pope Blount will be found in the new edition of theBiographia Britannica.[129]The first, and, what Hearne over and over again calls the genuine edition of theAthenæ Oxoniensis, was published in two folio volumes, 1691, 1692. That athirdvolume was intended by the author himself may be seen from Hearne's remarks in hisThom. Caii. Vind. Antiq. Oxon., vol. i., p. xliii. For the character of the work consult hisRob. de Avesb., pp. xxvi, xxxiii. After the lapse of nearly half a century, it was judged expedient to give a new edition of these valuable biographical memoirs; and Dr. Tanner, afterwards bishop of St. Asaph, was selected to be the editor of it. It was well known that Wood had not only made large corrections to his own printed text, but had written nearly500new lives—his MS. of both being preserved in the Ashmolean Museum. This new edition, therefore, had every claim to public notice. When it appeared, it was soon discovered to be a corrupt and garbled performance; and that the genuine text of Wood, as well in his correctness of the old, as in his compositions of the new, lives, had been most capriciously copied. Dr. Tanner, to defend himself, declared that Tonson "would never let him see one sheet as they printed it." This was sufficiently infamous for the bookseller; but the editor ought surely to have abandoned a publication thus faithlessly conducted, or to have entered his caveat in the preface, when it did appear, that he would not be answerable for the authenticity of the materials: neither of which were done. He wrote, however, an exculpatory letter to Archbishop Wake, which the reader may see at length in Mr. Beloe'sAnecdotes of Literature, vol. ii., p. 304. Consult the life of the author in Mr. Gutch's valuable reprint of Wood's "History and Antiquities of the University of Oxford," 1792, 4to., 2 vols.: also, Freytag'sAnalect. Literar., vol. ii., 1105. I have great pleasure in closing this note, by observing that Mr. Philip Bliss, of St. John's College, Oxford, is busily engaged in giving us, what we shall all be glad to hail, a new and faithful edition of Wood's text of theAthenæ Oxoniensis, in five or six quarto volumes.
[128]Sir Thomas Pope Blount's "Censura Celebriorum Authorum," Londini, 1690, folio, is unquestionably a learned work—the production of a rural and retired life—"Umbraticam enim vitam et ab omni strepitu remotam semper in delitiis habui,"—says its author, in the preface. It treats chiefly of the most learned men, and sparingly of the English. His "Remarks upon Poetry," Lond., 1694, 4to. (in English) is more frequently read and referred to. It is a pity that he had not left out the whole of what relates to the Greek and Latin, and confined himself entirely to the English, poets. A life of Sir Thomas Pope Blount will be found in the new edition of theBiographia Britannica.
[129]The first, and, what Hearne over and over again calls the genuine edition of theAthenæ Oxoniensis, was published in two folio volumes, 1691, 1692. That athirdvolume was intended by the author himself may be seen from Hearne's remarks in hisThom. Caii. Vind. Antiq. Oxon., vol. i., p. xliii. For the character of the work consult hisRob. de Avesb., pp. xxvi, xxxiii. After the lapse of nearly half a century, it was judged expedient to give a new edition of these valuable biographical memoirs; and Dr. Tanner, afterwards bishop of St. Asaph, was selected to be the editor of it. It was well known that Wood had not only made large corrections to his own printed text, but had written nearly500new lives—his MS. of both being preserved in the Ashmolean Museum. This new edition, therefore, had every claim to public notice. When it appeared, it was soon discovered to be a corrupt and garbled performance; and that the genuine text of Wood, as well in his correctness of the old, as in his compositions of the new, lives, had been most capriciously copied. Dr. Tanner, to defend himself, declared that Tonson "would never let him see one sheet as they printed it." This was sufficiently infamous for the bookseller; but the editor ought surely to have abandoned a publication thus faithlessly conducted, or to have entered his caveat in the preface, when it did appear, that he would not be answerable for the authenticity of the materials: neither of which were done. He wrote, however, an exculpatory letter to Archbishop Wake, which the reader may see at length in Mr. Beloe'sAnecdotes of Literature, vol. ii., p. 304. Consult the life of the author in Mr. Gutch's valuable reprint of Wood's "History and Antiquities of the University of Oxford," 1792, 4to., 2 vols.: also, Freytag'sAnalect. Literar., vol. ii., 1105. I have great pleasure in closing this note, by observing that Mr. Philip Bliss, of St. John's College, Oxford, is busily engaged in giving us, what we shall all be glad to hail, a new and faithful edition of Wood's text of theAthenæ Oxoniensis, in five or six quarto volumes.
We have now reached the boundaries of the 17th century, and are just entering upon the one which is past: and yet I have omitted to mention the very admirablePolyhistor. LiterariusofMorhof:[130]a work by which I have been in a great measure guided in the opinions pronounced upon the bibliographers alreadyintroduced to you. This work, under a somewhat better form, and with a few necessary omissions and additions, one could wish to see translated into our own language. The name ofMaittairestrikes us with admiration and respect at the very opening of the 18th century. His elaborateAnnales Typographicihave secured him the respect of posterity.[131]Le Long, whose pursuits werechiefly biblical and historical, was his contemporary; an able, sedulous, and learned bibliographer. His whole soul was in his library; and he never spared the most painful toil in order to accomplish the various objectsof his inquiry.[132]And here, my dear friends, let me pay a proper tribute of respect to the memory of an eminently learned and laborious scholar and bibliographer: I meanJohn Albert Fabricius. His labours[133]shed alustre upon the scholastic annals of the 18th century; for he opened, as it were, the gates of literature to the inquiring student; inviting him to enter the field and contemplate the diversity and beauty of the several flowers which grew therein—telling him by whom they were planted, and explaining how their growth and luxuriancy were to be regulated. There are few instructors to whom we owe so much; none to whom we are more indebted. Let his works, therefore, have a handsome binding, and a conspicuous place in your libraries: for happy is that man who has them at hand to facilitate his inquiries, or to solve his doubts. While Fabricius was thus laudably exercising his great talents in the cause of ancient literature, the illustrious name ofLeibnitz[134]appeared as author of a work of essential utility to the historian and bibliographer. I allude to hisScriptores Rerum Brunwicensium, which has received a well pointed compliment from the polished pen of Gibbon. After the successful labours of Fabricius and Leibnitz, we may notice those ofStruvius! whoseHistorical Library[135]should be in every philological collection.