Manuscript on heraldry, written throughout in one hand of the late 15th or early 16th century.
Scope and Contents
The contents of the manuscript are as follows:
(i) `De insigniis et armis` by Bartolus de Saxoferrato (folio 1). The text has been printed by Sir Edward Bysshe in the notes to his edition of ‘De studio militari’ by Nicholas Upton, pages 6-17.
(ii) `De studio militari` by Nicholas Upton, (folio 12). The text corresponds with that of Bysshe`s edition except for the omission of the sections `De ardea` and `De fasiano` (pages 175, 195). A passage at the beginning of book 1, chapter xiii has been erased, and there are variations in some of the arms depicted, as well as a few additional shields.
Section (ii) has initials in blue and red, rubrics in red, and painted shields. The cross of St. Andrew and the royal arms of Scotland are depicted on folio iv. Folios 10-11 are blank.
There is a contents list in the hand of Sir James Balfour of Denmilne.
The leaves have been trimmed, apparently to fit this binding, with the loss of parts of the marginalia.
Dates
- Creation: Late 15th century-early 16th century.
Extent
0.00 Linear metres (ix + 154 folios.)
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
Collation: 1⁶ (2-3 are a folded stub), 2¹⁰, 3¹², 4¹⁰, 5-13¹², 14¹⁴, 15⁴ (+1 after 4). Signatures on gatherings 2 and 11, and catchwords on gatherings 3 and 8. 21-26 lines.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Vellum (folios ii-iii paper). Watermark: pot (cf. Heawood 3545). 17th-century binding of brown sheepskin with blind fillets and metal clasps.
Custodial History
The manuscript belonged to John Meldrum, who was appointed Marchmont Herald in 1515 and died circa 1554 (inscriptions on folios 154 verso and ix). The ex-libris of Sir James Balfour of Denmilne, dated 1640, is on folio iv verso, and his device appears on folio 154 verso. The manuscript was bought by the Advocates’ Library in 1698, with Sir James Balfour`s library.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Presented, 1925, by the Faculty of Advocates to the nation on the foundation of the National Library of Scotland.
Bibliography
Physical Description
0.00 linear metresix + 154 folios.153.00 x 215.00 millimetres
Dimensions
153.00 x 215.00 millimetres
- Title
- National Library of Scotland Catalogue of Manuscripts
- Author
- National Library of Scotland
- Date
- 13 07 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