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Album of preserved samples of Scottish mosses, c.1828

 Fonds
Identifier: Coll-1398

Scope and Contents

Probably Scottish (c.1828). Album bearing mounted moss specimens, each specimen with accompanying contemporary ink annotations, interleaved with additional blanks, modern notes on the album contents on pastedown and flyleaves. Original vellum. Borders with gilt foliage roll.

Dates

  • Creation: 1800-1850

Language of Materials

English

Conditions Governing Access

Open to bona fide researchers, but please contact repository for details in advance of visit.

Biographical / Historical

It is believed that the majority of the moss samples contained in this album were collected in Scotland in the early 19th century. This can be dated from the paper of the album which is watermarked as Robert Weir, Carron (Grove Mill), 1828.

The unknown botanist collector has included many fruiting specimens from locations including Tarbolton, Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh, Newton near Ayr, Dean Castle Kilmarnock, Stair, Craiglockhart, Carrick Hill, Edinburgh College Yard and Dalrymple.

Modern notes at the rear of the album suggest that the botanist was working to the classification used in the second edition of Muscologia Britannica (1827) by Sir William Jackson Hooker (1785-1865) - father of Joseph Dalton Hooker - and Thomas Taylor (1775-1848).

Extent

1 volume

Physical Location

CLX-A-1091

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Material acquired May 2012. Accession no: E2012.29.

Processing Information

Catalogued by Graeme D. Eddie 16 January 2013

Title
Early 19th century album of preserved samples of Scottish mosses
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script

Repository Details

Part of the University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections Repository

Contact:
Centre for Research Collections
University of Edinburgh Main Library
George Square
Edinburgh EH8 9LJ Scotland
+44(0)131 650 8379