Manuscript prayers in Piscataway

[White, Andrew, 1579-1656 (association)]
Manuale sacerdotum hoc est, ritus administrandi sacramenta. Douai: L. Kellam, 1610.
The printed text is that of a popular work on the administration of the sacraments. At the front, there are found five pages of manuscript prayers written between 1634 and 1640 in English, Latin, and Piscataway (Conoy), the language of the Native Americans living in the vicinity of present-day Washington, D.C., in the hand of Fr. Andrew White, S.J., the first Catholic missionary to the Maryland colony. Rebound in quarter sheep and paper boards, probably at Georgetown, in the 19th century. Brought from the Jesuit residence at Leonardtown, Maryland, to the University Archives in 1953.

The Principia mathematica, 1687

Newton, Isaac, Sir, 1642-1727.
Philosophiæ naturalis principia mathematica. London: Jussu Societatis Regiæ ac Typis Josephi Streater, 1687.
First edition of the cornerstone work in traditional physics. Rebound in 20th century full calf. Early ownership signature of John Beveridge, slightly later signature of Fr. Henry Neale, S.J., active in Philadelphia from 1740 to 1748. Acquired, probably as the gift of a Jesuit house or an individual Jesuit, prior to 1836; with the alphanumeric pressmark of the original Georgetown College Library collection on the title page.

Locke on government

[Locke, John, 1632-1704]
Two Treatises of Government. London: Printed for Awnsham Churchill, 1690.
First edition of one of the key titles in the development of modern, and especially American, political science. Bound in original (?) full calf. In part, unopened (and therefore in part unread). Early ownership inscription of J. Langston; 20th century bookplate of Henry G. Burke, Baltimore. Purchase, 1983.

The burial of St. Francis Xavier

[Castner, Gaspar, 1665-1709]
Relatio sepulturæ magno orientis apostolo S. Francisco Xauerio erectæ in insula Sanciano anno sæculari MDCC. [Beijing?: s.n., 1700]
First edition of Castner's account of the burial of St. Francis Xavier in China. Printed in the manner of a traditional Chinese block-book, the Latin characters and illustrations cut in relief on wooden blocks. Purchase, 1892, with the library of John Gilmary Shea.

Hymns among the Mohawks

[Bruyas, Jacques, 1635-1712]
Untitled autograph (?) manuscript. Caughnewaga or Sault St. Louis (Canada), ca. 1700, about 75 leaves (including some fragmentary), in Mohawk, with a few notes in Latin and French.
Attributed with some confidence to the Jesuit missionary Bruyas, the author of a scholarly treatise on Mohawk vocabulary. This manuscript, in all likelihood incomplete, contains a fragmentary liturgy of parts of the Mass followed by extensive translations into Mohawk of traditional Latin and French hymns. Bound in deerskin (?) with metal clasps. Part of the collection of manuscripts formed by John Gilmary Shea; gift of Sophie S. Shea and Elizabeth Shea, 1893.

The first printed Maryland charter

Maryland. (Colony). Charter.
The Charter of Maryland. [Annapolis: Reading, 1706 or 1707]
First printing, slightly imperfect, with small portions of text on the last two leaves missing. Stitched (as issued?), and docketed on the final blank leaf by Fr. William Hunter, S.J. (1659-1723), superior of the Maryland Jesuit mission at least from 1696 until his death. The only known copy. Deposited at Georgetown with the archives of the Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus, 1975.

The Custis (Washington) family copy

Catesby, Mark, 1683-1749.
The Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands: Containing the Figures of Birds, Beasts, Fishes, Serpents, Insects, and Plants: . . . not hitherto described, or very incorrectly figured by Authors. . . . Vol. I [II] London: Printed at the Expence of the Author, 1731-43. Two volumes bound in one.
First edition, a small number of plates wanting. With the signature on the first title leaf of John Custis of Williamsburg, with whom Catesby stayed briefly while doing the field work on which the book is based, and from whom the book passed to Martha Custis Washington. Bound (or perhaps rebound) at Georgetown College in full calf in the mid-19th century. Gift of George Washington Parke Custis on the occasion of his addressing a Georgetown College commencement, July 4, 1833.

Early printing in New Orleans

Mémoire, des habitans et negocians de la Louisianne, sur l'événement du 29. octobre 1768. [A La Nlle. Orléans: Chez Denis Braud, Imprimeur du Roi, 1768]
First edition of the first book printed in Louisiana, a petition asking the restoration of the colony to France; authorship sometimes attributed to Nicolas Chauvin de Lafrénière (d. 1769) or to Julien Doucet. Imprint reproduced from the colophon. Original plain wrappers, with an official French manuscript attestation to the document's authenticity, dated 6 October 1769, on the final leaf. The only copy recorded in the United States. Purchase, 1892, with the library of John Gilmary Shea.

A presentation Franklin

Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
Experiments and Observations on Electricity, Made at Philadelphia in America. . . . The Fifth Edition. London: Printed for F. Newbery, 1774.
The most complete edition of Franklin's scientific treatise. Inscribed on the half-title, in the hand of the recipient, "Charles Carroll of Carrollton Ex Dono Authoris [scratched out] auctoris." Bound in original full sheep (rebacked). Purchase, 1892, with the library of John Gilmary Shea.

A broadside Declaration of Independence

U.S. Declaration of Independence.
In Congress, July 4, 1776. A Declaration by the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress Assembled. [Salem, Massachusetts: E. Russell (?), 1776]
One of the earliest regional printings of the Declaration, this the "unofficial" (and probably earlier) of two Salem printings, and the only one presented in four-column format. One of very few known copies. Acquired by the University Archives from an undetermined source prior to 1970.

The "Crewe" manuscript

Sheridan, Richard Brinsley Butler, 1751-1816.
The School for Scandal A Comedy. Manuscript, signed. London, 1777(?), 173 leaves.
Copyist's manuscript of Sheridan's comedy, with numerous notes and corrections throughout in the author's own hand, including attributions of the prologue to David Garrick and the epilogue to George Colman, and with his presentation inscription to Mrs. (afterwards Lady) Crewe and signature on the title leaf. Bound in contemporary three-quarter red morocco and marbled paper boards. Bookplates of F. A. Crewe (after 1806) and Nicholas F. Brady. Gift of Mrs. Nicholas F. Brady, 1935.

Raising money for Georgetown

Carroll, John, 1735-1815.
To all liberally inclined to promote the Education of Youth. [Baltimore?: s.n., 1787]
First printing of the future Archbishop Carroll's letter soliciting funds for his projected academy at Georgetown, accomplished in manuscript and directed to Edward Weld and his wife at their estate, Lulworth, near Wareham, in Dorset. The only known copy. Acquired by the University Archives from an undetermined source prior to 1970.

"Students of every religious persuasion"

[Carroll, John, 1735-1815]
Proposals for Establishing an Academy, at George-Town, Patowmack-River, Maryland. [Baltimore?: s.n., 1787]
First printing of the foundation document of Georgetown University, including the typically American wording "Agreeably to the liberal Principle of our Constitution, the Seminary will be open to Students of every religious persuasion." One of the copies distributed in the United States by Carroll: ironically, the recipient docketed the back "Prospectus for building The College of G. T.-- useless." Acquired by the University Archives from an undetermined source prior to 1970.

A new form of government

The Federalist. 1788.
The Federalist: A Collection of Essays, Written in Favour of the New Constitution. . . . In Two Volumes. New-York: Printed and Sold by J. and A. M'Lean, 1788. Two volumes.
First edition of a key document in the struggle for acceptance of the new Federal Constitution. Bound in original full sheep (rebacked). Gift of Charles H. Trunnell, 1892.

The first national Thanksgiving

Washington, George, 1732-1799.
By the President of the United States of America. A Proclamation. [New York: Childs and Swain (?), 1789]
First printing of the broadside proclaiming the first national day of Thanksgiving. One of only six recorded copies. Presented as the Georgetown University Library's official 2,000,000th volume; gift of Marshall Coyne, 1994.

The first American Catholic Bible

Bible. English. Douai. 1790.
The Holy Bible, Translated from the Latin Vulgate: Diligently Compared with the Hebrew, Greek, and Other Editions, in Divers Languages; and First Published by the English College at Doway, Anno 1609. Newly Revised, and Corrected, According to the Clementine Edition of the Scriptures with Annotations for Elucidating the Principal Difficulties of Holy Writ. Philadelphia: Printed and Sold by Carey, Stewart, and Co., 1790.
First edition of the first Catholic Bible printed in America. Rebound in 20th century full black morocco. Purchase, 1892, with the library of John Gilmary Shea.

A presentation Boswell

Boswell, James, 1740-1795.
The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. London: Printed by Henry Baldwin, for Charles Dilly, 1791. Two volumes.
First edition A presentation copy from the author to the printer of the work, inscribed by Boswell on the verso of the title page of the first volume "A Present from the Authour to his worthy old friend Mr. Henry Baldwin." Rebound by Riviere in full maroon straight-grained morocco. Bookplates of Nicholas F. Brady in each volume. Gift of Mrs. Nicholas F. Brady, 1935.

The end of smallpox

Jenner, Edward, 1749-1823.
An Inquiry into the Causes and Effects of the Variolæ Vaccinæ. London: Printed, for the Author, by Sampson Low. 1798.
First edition of one of the noteworthy books in the development of modern medicine. Bound in contemporary marbled paper boards, cloth spine (possibly rebacked at a slightly later date). Gift of Mrs. G. William Schlindwein, prior to 1970.

A sammelband from Jefferson's library

[Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826 (association)]
A bound volume of works on medical subjects from the library of Thomas Jefferson, comprising the following:

Rush, James, 1786-1869.
An Inquiry into the Use of the Omentum. Philadelphia: From the Press of T. & G. Palmer, 1809.
and
Ricketson, Shadrach.
A Brief History of the Influenza, Which prevailed in New-York in 1807. [New York, 1808]
Inscribed on the (trimmed) title leaf "From the Auth[or]"
and
College of Physicians of Philadelphia.
Additional Facts and Observations Relative to the Nature and Origin of the Pestilential Fever. Philadelphia: Printed by A. Bartram, for Thomas Dobson, 1806.
Inscribed by Jefferson with his characteristic "T." before signature mark I on page 57.

and
Devèze, Jean, 1753-1829.
Dissertation sur la fièvre jaune qui régna à Philadelphie en 1793. Paris: Imprimerie de Madame Huzard, An XII [1804]
Inscribed on the title page: "presenté a son excellence Monsieur Jefferson president des etats unis, avec la plus haute véneration de la part de l'auteur = Deveze."
and
[The Philadelphia Medical Museum. New Series. Conducted by John Redman Coxe, M. D. Vol. I. Philadelphia: Printed and Published by J. & A. Y. Humphreys, 1811]
Pages 165-176 only, extracted from the complete volume, containing principally an account of "the Tranquillizer," a chair for restraining the violent insane.
and
Royal Humane Society.
Annual Report, 1807. By W. Hawes, M. D. London: Printed for the Society, by J. Nichols and Son [1808?]
No copy of this report recorded in OCLC.
and
Stuart, Josephus Bradner.
An Inaugural Essay, Containing Experiments and Observations in Defence of the Doctrine of Cutaneous Absorption. Albany: Printed by R. Packard, 1810.
Inscribed on the title page: "The Honorable Thomas Jefferson / Monticello / Virginia." And on the verso of the title page: "To, The Honorable Thomas Jefferson, with the compliments of the Author. 19th Dec. 1810."
and
Clark, Micajah, 1787?-1849.
An Inaugural Dissertation on Lithotomy. Philadelphia: Printed by Jane Aitken, 1811.
and
Crawford, John, 1746-1813.
A Lecture, Introductory to a Course of Lectures on the Cause, Seat and Cure of Diseases. Baltimore: Published by Edward J. Coale, Benjamin Edes, printer. 1811.
Various typographical and grammatical emendations throughout in Jefferson's hand.
and
Rose, Henry, fl. 1794.
An Inaugural Dissertation on the Effects of the Passions upon the Body. Philadelphia: Printed by William W. Woodward, 1794.
Printed dedication to Jefferson on page [7] and with a few typographical and grammatical emendations in Jefferson's hand.
This volume of pamphlets and a single periodical extract is recorded in the list of Jefferson's "second library" as "Medecine 199." Bound in old half leather and marbled paper boards. Gift of the estate of Mangum Weeks, 1982.

Egypt described

France. Commission des monuments d'Égypte.

Description de l'Égypte, ou Recueil des observations et des recherches qui ont été faites en Égypte pendant l'expédition de l'armée française, publié par les ordres de sa majesté l'empereur Napoléon le grand. Paris: De l'Imprimerie Impériale, 1809-28. 29 volumes.
First edition of the account of one of the most ambitious scientific projects undertaken up to that time. An all-but-complete set (lacking only two small plates out of 883), presented to Bernard Drovetti (1776-1852), French consul general in Egypt, 1802-14 and 1821-26. In the original bindings, mostly of half red calf and boards gilt with the royal arms, Tessier's ticket at the front of a volume of plates of antiquities. Gift of Francine Buffet Johnson and Alfred Grima Johnson, 1993.

The Star-Spangled Banner

Key, Francis Scott, 1779-1843.
[The Star-Spangled Banner] Autograph manuscript, signed. Washington, D.C., 29 August 1842, 1 page.
A fair copy, one of very few such extant, of the untitled text of the national anthem which Key composed in 1814, written out by the author for a Mr. Espy, possibly the Washington meteorologist James Pollard Espy (1785-1860). Gift of the recipient's daughter, Elizabeth McCalmont Espy (Mrs. J. A. Nunn), 1898.

The "Hermit of Marlow" on reform

[Shelley, Percy Bysshe, 1792-1822]
A Proposal for Putting Reform to the Vote Throughout the Kingdom. By the Hermit of Marlow. London: Printed for C. and J. Ollier, 1817.
First edition of the poet's anonymously-distributed contribution to the ongoing debate on English political reform springing from both the nascent Industrial Revolution and the previous two and a half decades of political upheaval in France. Disbound. Acquired from an undetermined source prior to 1970.