O'Neill, John (1837-1895)

Commonplace book containing etymological entries, including many of medical, scientific and anthropological interest. Compiler's holograph MSS. A remarkable compilation, based on very wide reading; the entries are in alphabetical order. Pasted inside the upper cover of the first volume is a stamped envelope, post-marked 'Edinburgh. Nov. 7. 1891', addressed to 'John O'Neill Esq. Trafalgar House. Selling, nr Faversham', and he is presumably the compiler of this collection. A John O'Neill 'Of the War Office' is entered in the B.M. Catalogue, and in the London Library Catalogue as the author of 'Night of the Gods; cosmic and cosmogonic mythology and symbolism 1893-1897'. On the verso of the first leaf of Vol. I, the compiler states: 'I began to copy my rough notes into this book in January 1883'. The latest date found in the text is December 1894, on the verso of the fifth leaf from the end of Vol. II.

1883-1894

2 volumes 2 vols. folio. 271/2 × 21 cm. Original half-calf bindings.

Purchased 1929.

Database description transcribed from S.A.J. Moorat, Catalogue of Western Manuscripts on Medicine and Science in the Wellcome Historical Medical Library (London: Wellcome Institute for the History of Medicine, 1962-1973).