Antiquarian Catalogues from Bruce McKittrick Rare Books

Item 3 consists of two versions of A Catalogue Of The Very Extensive And Valuable General and Law Library Of Mr. Edwards… Mr. Edwards was William Edwards, a solicitor from Derby, whose collection of law and other books was sold at auction in 1826. Offered is not only the final catalogue, but also the proof sheets used in its preparation. The proof sheets are filled with extensive corrections and clarifications provided in manuscript. The proof sheets were taken to Derby and the listings compared with what was found in the library. The proof sheets only showed 1,122 lots, but by the time of the final catalogue, 1,279 lots were listed. The final copy includes handwritten prices. $3,200.

Item 14 is an unusual catalogue, that of the collection of Samuel Thomas von Soemmerrling: Catalogus Musei Anatomici. Soemmerrling was not a book or art collector. He was a scientist, an anatomist, physician, anthropologist and more. He is credited with discovering the macula on the retina of the human eye, the source of central (as opposed to peripheral) vision. The catalogue lists the over 4,000 specimens in the private medical museum of Soemmerrling, collected over six decades. It was prepared by his son, Detmar, and published in 1830. $1,600.

Bruce McKittrick Rare Books may be reached at 610-660-0132 or info@mckittrickrarebooks.com. Their website is www.mckittrickrarebooks.com.