When the University Library was divided into several different subject-based sites, the then Science Library formed a closed sequence of early or rare science books. This collection was arranged in subject order by UDC classification, prefixed byM (M+ for larger volumes) and incorporated miscellaneous accessions received up to 1995 of early and rare scientific works, 16th-20th century. It contained about 1000 volumes (600 titles), predominantly 18th and 19th century publications, but withsome earlier, both English and foreign, and a few 20th century items.
In subject matter it was strongest in mathematics and astronomy, but geology, botany, zoology and chemistry are also represented. It includes the early books and periodicals from the University Observatory's library, gifts of Miss Alice Edlestonfrom the collection of Rev. Joseph Edleston (d.1895), and the early books, largely mathematical and astronomical, from the bequest of Sir Edward Collingwood received in 1970 (later books from this bequest and Sir Edward's papers were in the care ofthe University's Department of Mathematics; modern periodicals are also there or in the general stock of the University Library). Sir Isaac Newton and William Emerson are the two authors most amply present, besides the astronomer, architect andlandscape gardener, Thomas Wright of Byers Green, Co Durham (1711-86), of whose manuscripts and publications the Library holds possibly the most extensive collection.
Since the unification of the various libraries, the collection has been catalogued into the general printed special collection sequence. The surviving part of the Collingwood Papers (mainly early 20th century pamphlets that he had collected orbeen sent in the course of his work) have now also been transferred from the Department of Mathematics to Special Collections.