[1]
[1] See further, Documents relating to the University and
Colleges of Cambridge (3v. 1852); Statutes of the College of
Oxford (3v. 1853), especially i. 54, 97; ii. 60, 89; and Mun.
Acad. Cf. Willis, Camb., iii. 387.
In certain of the colleges a book was read aloud during
meals. It is noted that in 1284 the scholars of Merton
were so noisy that the person appointed to read from
Gregory's Moralia could not be properly heard.[1] Reading
aloud was also enjoined at University Hall, Oxford.[2]
This was, of course, a monastic practice.
[1] Lyte, 81.
[2] Ibid., 84.
This brief description of the practice of the colleges in
regard to books may be concluded fittingly with an account
of the rules which Richard de Bury proposed to apply for
the safety of his library when reposed within the walls of
Durham Hall. These provisions are specially interesting
as an example of the care with which a fussy bookworm
attempted to safeguard his treasures, and because they
permit free lending of books outside the Hall. Five of
the scholars sojourning in the Hall were to be appointed
by the Master to have charge of the books, "of which five
persons three and not fewer" might lend any book or
books for inspection and study.
Pages:
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271