Research and Scholarship

Currently, very little research directly addresses this text. The majority of information that has been gathered has been through crossreferencing entries in library databases, rare book websites, book seller websites, personal observations, and scholarly articles about the dissemination of scientific knowledge in eighteenth century. Due to the limited scholarly work on this specific text the Special Librarians at Humboldt State University helped consult about possible theories for certain aspects such as the page marbling, expensive binding, and the fact that the first edition was in Latin. 

The dictionary is an expensive and luxurious object. Typically, one would not pair 18th century farming with expensive books; however, delving into understanding the historical context of this book allowed for possible explanations for its form and content. 

This book was part of a larger trend of spreading scientific knowledge during the 18th century. This second edition is in English and thus became accessible to more individuals including the growing middle class.

The second edition of the book (this edition) differs from the first edition in that the second edition names John Worlidge as the author compared to the first edition which was printed in 1704 where the authorship is disputed between Nathanial Bailey and John Worlidge. However, on the inside cover of this particular copy there is a handwritten note above a sticker depicting Sir Walter Ralegh saying that the book is ascribed to Nathaniel Bailey. On the page opposite the inside cover with the handwritten note there are two official stamps indicating that this book once belonged to the National Library of Wales. Unfortunately, the publishing and printing information has even less clarity that the information regarding the authorship. This particular edition was published through the support of three patrons: J. Nicholson of Little-Britain, W. Taylor of Avemary-lane, and W. Churchill at the Black-Swan in Pater-noster-Row who are all named in the printing information located in the book. Other copies seemed to lack this sticker located on the internal cover and provides many important points of information.