Bernard Collection

Manuscripts written and collected by Bernard, including manuscripts relating to Latin language and literature, Greek language and literature, and geometry. The collection also includes some oriental manuscripts.

The full list of reference codes is: GB 161 MSS. Auct. D. 1. 14, D. 4. 24, E. 1. 8, E. 4. 7, E. 4. 17, E. 4. 19-21, F. 1. 16, F. 1. 18, F. 2. 1-6, F. 2. 8-9, F. 2. 11-12, F. 2. 15, F. 2. 17, F. 2. 28, F. 3. 1, F. 3. 19-22, F. 4. 2, F. 4. 10-11, F. 4. 14, F. 4. 18-31, F. 4. 34, F. 5. 1-3, F. 5. 22, F. 6. 7-9, F. 6. 16-21, F. Infr. 1. 7-11, F. Infr. 2. 1-2; Bodl. 37-8, 171, 224, 232, 308-9, 615, 635, 886, 896; Bodl. Rolls 12; Eng. misc. f. 1, f. 3-5, g. 1; Gr. class. e. 1-2, f. 1; Lat. misc. b. 1, c. 1, d. 1-3, e. 1-15, f. 1-2, f. 6-11, g. 1; Lat. th. e. 1, f. 1; Marsh 4; Russ. e. 1

Dr Edward Bernard was born 2 May 1638. He was educated at Merchant Taylors' School and St. John's College, Oxford (matriculated 25 July 1655), of which College he became a Fellow in 1658. He was Savilian Professor of Astronomy, 1673-91. He died on 12 January 1697. Further details are given in the Dictionary of National Biography.

Entry to read in the Library is permitted only on presentation of a valid reader's card (for admissions procedures see http://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/specialcollections).

Collection level description created by Emily Tarrant, Department of Special Collections and Western Manuscripts.

Falconer Madan, et al., A summary catalogue of western manuscripts in the Bodleian Library at Oxford which have not hitherto been catalogued in the Quarto series (7 vols. in 8 [vol. II in 2 parts], Oxford, 1895-1953; reprinted, with corrections in vols. I and VII, Munich, 1980), vol. III, nos. 8717-8886.

The illuminated manuscripts in this collection are briefly described in O. Pcht and J.J.G. Alexander, Illuminated Manuscripts in the Bodleian Library, Oxford, 3 vols. (Oxford, 1966-73); with an unpublished supplement containing a concordance of shelfmarks and addenda (1974).

Bernard bought many of his manuscripts at the Nicolas Heinsius sale at Leyden in 1685. Bernard, by a will made 17 September 1696, left all his books, printed and manuscript, to his wife, but he expressed a hope that the Bodleian would buy them. Accordingly in September 1697 many of his printed books were bought by the Bodleian from Mrs Bernard for 140; and in 1698 the University purchased the collection of manuscripts and printed books with manuscript collations for 200.