This is probably an English book, the illumination being of the Anglo-Norman type. Two early inscriptions have been cut out on ff.1 and 3. On f.3 the end et patroni is left. There are three inscriptions on fly-leaves, inserted in the 16th century, which prove quite conclusively that the book was in use in Scotland then, and probably earlier. One refers to a transaction between a certain Robert of Tynningham and John Dunning concerning property in St. Andrews: Memorandum quod ego Robertus de Tynnyngliam vendidi tenementum meum situatum in civitate Sancti Andree pro xl solidis Magistro Johanni Dannyng nisi oppignoratum fuerit citra nunc et sinod [. . .] Dunkeldensem, et reddiderem eidem magistro Johanni Dunnyng prenominatam summam pecuniarum in testimonium hujus rei posui librum meum in pignus. Scripta manu propria. [Note that I, Robert of Tynningham, with holdings in the town of St Andrews sold for 40 shillings to Master John Dunning, [for now only on pledge[??][...]Dunkeld, and restore to the same Master John Dunning the aforesaid sum of money by the testimony setting my book as pledge. Written with my own hand.]

The other two refer directly to owners : Iste liber pertinet episcopi Orkad[ensi]; Iste liber pertinet Abbati Sancte Sedes Animarum. [This book belongs to the bishop of Orkney; this book belongs to the abbot of St Soul Seat.] Andrew, Bishop of Orkney, 1476-1503, was also Vicar of Kirkbean in Galloway. It is therefore reasonable to suppose that he either received the volume from the Abbot of Soul Seat, or presented it to him. It is unclear which of the two inscriptions is of earlier date.

A long inscription by William Henderson, Librarian, records the gift of the manuscript to the University of Edinburgh Library by David Bruce, a citizen of Edinburgh, in 1676.

Title given to the manuscript in Catherine Borland’s catalogue: Avicenna.

D. b. II. 10.