Cambridge, Trinity College, R.15.32 Computistica; Calendar; Hyginus, "Poeticon astronomicon"; Helpericus, "Expositio compoti"; Cicero, "Aratea"; etc.

Abstract

84. Cambridge, Trinity College, R.15.32 (945)

Computistica; Calendar; Hyginus, "Poeticon astronomicon";

Helpericus, "Expositio compoti"; Cicero, "Aratea"; etc.

[Ker 90, Gneuss 186]

HISTORY: The book is composed of two parts. Part 1, pp. 1-12 and 37-218, contains computistical and astrological texts, including work by Abbo of Fleury which was, according to van de Vyver (1935: 140-50), written in England. This part is written in Anglo-Caroline minuscule of the early 11c. Part 2, pp. 13-36, contains a calendar and computistical material, including an Easter Table for 1025-1086, with a rough drypoint cross against the year 1036; Robinson (1988: 99) states that it was customary to put such a cross against the year next after the one in which the calendar was made, i.e., the relevant pages were written in 1035. Keynes (1992: 31) suggests that both parts of the book originated at New Minster, Winchester, as hands of both parts can be located at that house and the calendar is of Winchester use; further, he suggests, the two parts were presumably brought together there, as pp. i, 37, 38, originally blank, have had further calendrical texts added. However, the book was soon moved to St Augustine's, Canterbury, since additions to the calendar suggest its presence there before the end of 11c. Listed by its second folio ("esse locatum") in the late 15c catalogue of St. Augustine's (no. 1157, James 1903: 329): "Astrologia abbonis monachi et in eodem libro | astrologia Nignn [Higini] philosophi | astrologia Marciani capelle | Compotus helperici doctissimi et | figuraciones signorum abbonis." James (1900-1904: 2.364) notes 16c inscription on back fly verso 'Alexander Baker'. Given to Trinity College by George Willmer, ca. 1610 (inscription on inside front cover and arms stamped on binding).