The John Bargrave Collection
Catalogus Rariorum in schola Anatomica Oxoniensi
Rawlinson D 912, 201-201v (Catalogue)
Bodleian Library, Oxford University, Oxford
Date:c.1675 Author (in assoc. with a ms or print source)John Crabbe (1663-1748) Subject of/in a documentOxford Anatomy School (-) Annotation:Gunther identifies four manuscripts itemizing the anatomy school's collection, designating them lists A-D. This one is list A. List B follows this one in Rawlinson D912 (ff. 203-4), but includes more items and in some instances more detail.Gunther notes that "With the exception of the last four items on f. 201 and the three on f. 201v, which are additions to the original list, it was written at one time. The handwriting is identical that found in the Library hand-lists of c. 1675-85, and Mr. Craster [a friend who supplied Gunther with his notes on the manuscript] suggests that it is by William Crabbe (or at least by one of the Crabbe tribe)." It was more likely John Crabbe, who became sub-librarian on or before 1677.
Following Craster, Gunther dates the manuscript c.1675, in part because it lacks a reference found in Hearne's now lost catalogue (designated list C by Gunther), and Rawlinson's copy of it (list D), to "A Young Whale found in the river Severn below Gloucester" (item 126, Rawl. C865, f.7). This seems to be the same whale referenced in the "Vice Chancellor's accounts" for 1674/5 citing the expenditure of "2/3 for bringing the Whale from Gloucester to the Anatomie-Schoole" (Gunther, vol. 3, p. 256). Gunther also notes that the Dr. George Croyden who donated the skin of a "sea monster" in the present list was probably George Croyden, canon of Christ Church, who died in 1678. Bibliographic Source(s): Early Science in Oxford. Vol. 3..., page: 256-8