Manuscript of 'Oculus Sacerdotis' by William of Pagula.
Scope and Contents
The text (folio 12) contains the three sections of the treatise, ‘Pars Oculi`, `Dextera Pars` and `Sinistra Pars`, but cap. 26 to the end of the `Sinistra Pars` is missing.
The text is preceded by:
(i) Four short works on diet and blood-letting in English, beginning ‘Here seyth galian ye leche and thecheth of metes and drinkes’. At the end is a rubric ‘Secundum Robertum[?] Grant de Everton’ (folio 1 verso).
(ii) Remarks on the qualities of the Virgin revealed at the Annunciation, and forms of absolution (folio 2).
(iii) Chapter headings of the `Oculus Sacerdotis` (folio 2 verso).
(iv) The `Great Sentence` or Curse (folio 3 verso).
(v) Tables for calculating the date of Easter, etc. The period covered is 1128 to 1631 (folio 4 verso).
(vi) Calendar containing many English saints and the dedication of Mont Saint Michel (16 October). The obits of Joanna Graunt, 1374 and John Graunt, father of Robert, 1386, have been added at 24 January and 20 October respectively. Notes on medicine and on the significance of thunder have also been added in each month (folio 6).
The `Oculus Sacerdotis` is followed (folio 132) by Robert Grosseteste`s `De modo confitendi’. See ‘The Writings of Robert Grosseteste’, page 126. The beginning is missing. The colophon reads `Expliciunt diversitates penitencie secundum magistrum Robertum Grossete Amen`.
Large initials in red, blue and gold with decorative penwork; smaller initials in red and blue. There are some scribbles on folios 1 recto and 134 verso-135, and an English recipe for ringworm on folio 135 verso. The name Thomas Sowtham appears in the upper margin of folio 120 in a 15th or 16th-century hand.
Descriptions of the contents by Sir James Balfour are on folios iii and 1, and his signature and cipher occur on folios 1 and 134 respectively.
Dates
- Creation: 14th century.
Creator
- William of Pagula (canon lawyer and theologian) (Author, Person)
Extent
1 Volumes (v (folio iii paper) + 135 folios.)
Language of Materials
Latin
Arrangement
Collation: 1¹⁰ (+1 after 4), 2-11¹², 12⁴(wants a leaf before 1). Catchwords parallel to the text. Signatures c-m on the first halves of gatherings 4-12. The gathering containing signature 1 is missing. 2 columns of 40 lines.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Vellum. 19th-century binding of red morocco, gilt stamped.
Custodial History
The manuscript was bought by the Advocates’ Library in 1698. Former press-mark: A.5.45.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Presented, 1925, by the Faculty of Advocates to the nation on the foundation of the National Library of Scotland.
Bibliography
G R Owst in ‘Preaching in mediaeval England’ (Cambridge, 1926), page 359, prints the conclusion from section (iv).
Thomson, S Harrison. ‘Writings of Robert Grosseteste’ (Cambridge, 1940).
Physical Description
0.00 linear metresv (folio iii paper) + 135 folios.182.00 x 257.00 millimetres
Dimensions
182.00 x 257.00 millimetres
Genre / Form
- Title
- National Library of Scotland Catalogue of Manuscripts
- Author
- National Library of Scotland
- Date
- 28 01 2015
- Description rules
- Finding Aid Prepared Using Local Descriptive Rules
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the National Library of Scotland Archives and Manuscripts Division Repository
Archives and Manuscript Division
National Library of Scotland
George IV Bridge
Edinburgh EH1 1EJ
0131 623 3700
manuscripts@nls.uk