Another Book from the Special Collection
Jascin N. Leonardo Finger • August 3, 2015
I have nothing more to report on this really then how wonderful is that cover? The gilt science equipment and then the other designs in black on the cover. Unfortunately, somewhere along the line, binding tape was applied in order to save the binding and cover from completely detaching. This was done often and thought to be a good conservation move but now we know the damage that can be done. Until we have funds to make the repairs and remove the tape – a trained book conservator needs to complete the work, not me – the tape remains. It is doing damage but it’s also keeping the book intact at least.
JNLF
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October 1. {1857} No place that I have yet seen in Europe has interested me like Abbotsford; no palace has held such royalty. I sat down in the chair which Sir Walter Scott had occupied, and I almost felt his presence; his power I had known nearly all my life . . . . It was rather a sad visit as all such visits must be . . . I had half a mind to sit down and cry, perhaps because the “wizard” was dead, perhaps because I was a little homesick. This date marked the anniversary of Maria Mitchell’s comet discovery on October 1, 1847. At least one of Scott’s books exists in Maria’s personal library today – and I am sure there were more – handed about among family members, as well as available at the Nantucket Atheneum. This was truly an experience and education for Maria – touring through Europe. It was also the first time she had even been away from home for any length of time. She was entering into her third month away from her family and Nantucket – it must not have been easy. Keep in mind – no easy communication – letters only, do not forget. At least a voice at the other end of a phone line can help a bit when one is homesick. (Yeah, no, I’m not a Facetime/Skype kind of girl. I do “live” in the 19 th century!) JNLF
“If you don’t look, you don’t see. You have to go and look.” -Edith Andrews
10mo 1, 1847. {October 1, 1847} This evening at half past ten Maria discovered a telescopic comet five degrees above Polaris. Persuaded that no nebulae could occupy that position unnoticed it scarcely needed the evidence of motion to give it the character of a comet. From the journals of William Mitchell, father of Maria. One hundred and seventy-nine years later! JNLF