Cicero, Opera Philosophica, c.1480.
- Reference:GB 227 msPA6295.A2A00
- Dates of Creation:c.1480
- Name of Creator:
- Language of Material:Latin
- Physical Description:1 volume, 283ff
Scope and Content
A transcript, in three hands, of the philosophical works of Marcus Tullius Cicero seemingly taken from the editio romana of 1471, with marginalia in the hand of Archibald Whitelaw and others. This copy was probably written in France, after 1471. Ornamented capitals.
Administrative / Biographical History
Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 BC) was a Roman philosopher, and a poet, lawyer, rhetorician and politician. His life coincided with the decline and fall of the Roman Republic. He played an important role in the political events of the time and his commentaries are now used as historical sources for the events leading to the end of the Republic. Philosophy was a secondary interest, taken up only when he was deprived of a role on the political scene.
William Guild (1582-1657) was an eminent theologian, becoming principal of Kings College, Aberdeen. He left 150 books from his library to St Andrews University.
Archibald Whitelaw (1415/16-1498) was a cleric, diplomat and classical scholar, serving as royal secretary for 31 years; he held the positions of the archdeaconry of Moray (14631467), the archdeaconry of Lothian (14701498), and the subdeanery of Glasgow (14821498). He was a leading humanist, collecting a fine library of classics. He used many references from them in his celebrated Oratio to Richard III when on a diplomatic mission to negotiate a peace treaty in 1484.
Arrangement
Single item
Access Information
By appointment with the Keeper of Manuscripts. Access to records containing confidential information may be restricted.
Acquisition Information
Bequeathed to the library by William Guild when he died in 1657.
Other Finding Aids
Individual Manuscripts and Small Collections database available as part of Manuscripts Database.
Physical Characteristics and/or Technical Requirements
Binding: Parchment on boards. Rebound by Cockerell in 1960 with binder's note pasted inside back cover. Paper: 28.2x37.7cm. Text within ruled columns.
Archivist's Note
Description compiled by Maia Sheridan, Archives Hub project archivist, based on material from the Manuscripts Database
Conditions Governing Use
Applications for permission to quote should be sent to the Keeper of Manuscripts. Reproduction subject to usual conditions: educational use and condition of documents.
Custodial History
Inscribed in the volume: Liber Archibaldi quhitelaw Archidiaconi sanctiandr' infra partes laudonie ac subdiaconi glasguen [1482-1498]; signature of Thomas Henryson [Lord Chesters d.1638]; Liber Gulielmi Guild S.T.D.
Accruals
None
Bibliography
Further details in N R Ker and A J Piper Medieval Manuscripts in British Libraries, IV Paisley to York Oxford, 1992, pp.250-2.
Subjects
Personal Names