A Collection of Several Philosophical Writings
de Beer Ec 1662 M
London: Printed by James Flesher
Henry More’s A Collection of Several Philosophical Writings carries a fine example of a mottled binding. Mottling is the process of decorating the covers of a book by applying colour or acid (dabs of ferrous sulphate, copperas, or lye (soft soap and soda)) to the leather calf and producing a variegated effect. Ornate gilt decoration runs around the edge of the cover and in each compartment down the spine. The edges have been sprinkled, which was a fashion in the 17th century English bookbinding scene. This book was once owned by Sir Thomas Sebright, the 4th or 5th Baronet, whose bookplate bares the motto: Servare Mentem, ‘To preserve equanimity’. Perhaps Sir Thomas commissioned the binding?
Henry More, “A Collection of Several Philosophical Writings,” ourheritage.ac.nz | OUR Heritage, accessed February 4, 2023, https://ourheritage.ac.nz/items/show/7482.