1699
by Manuscript; Scotland
1699. A Scholarly Scottish Manuscript Style Book [Manuscript]. [Scotland]. Styles of the Most Usual and Important Securities of and Concerning Rights Personal and Real, Redeemable & Irredeemable, Used by and Conforme to the Laws & Practique of The Kingdom of Scotland. [Scotland]: Collected, Digested and Written Anno 1699. [xviii], 248 pp. Quarto (8" x 6-1/4"). Disbound, moderate toning, dampstaining and wear to edges of text block, which is split between pp. 208 and 209, charring to fore-edges of pp. 203-248 with minor loss to text, but not meaning, repairs to a few burned leaves. Title page and text within ruled borders. Text in neat hand, later owner inscription, "Liber Davidson, Esq." to foot of p. 248. Item housed in custom cardboard archival box. $4,500. **THIS DESCRIPTION IS TRUNCATED DUE TO CHARACTER LIMITS. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR A COMPLETE VERSION.** * This fair-copy manuscript appears to have been the work of a practitioner with an interest in scholarship. It has a title page that simulates a printed example, a table of contents, an 18-page glossary of Latin terms with English translations, which is called a dictionary, and an 18-page preface that traces the evolution of agreements from the verbal promises of "the first Ages of the World" to "written, Evident, Chirography, hand writing" and the practice of "our nation of Scotland." The preface draws an interesting connection between secular education and the promotion of "subtitly" and "deceit" and presents the subsequent collection of styles as a corrective. The contents are summarized on the title page: "1. A Collection of Speciall & Singular Clauses through all securities, Alphabetically Digested. 2. Symbolls and Solemnities used for the perfecting and Consumating of these writs and rights. 3. The order of the Chancelllary, and the styles of writs that are issued therefrom. 4. A Dictionary Latine and English of the most matteriall words in Charters, Leasing &c. 5. Clauses of writs and their import by the Decisions of the Lords of Session. 6. Also their Decisions as to the Solemnities & formalities Requisit in Law and by Municipal custome, for making writs and securities valid, binding and effectual. With an Act of Parliament Concerning probative writs and instruments & an Act of Sederunt Anent Nottars." Pre-Union style books are scarce. The earliest known e.
(Inventory #: 80426)