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LACTANTIUS.

THERE were two editions of Lactantius published in the same year at Venice, viz. in 1478. One, "impendio Joannis di Colonia, Joannisque Manthen de Gheretzen, 27 Augusti," the other by Andreas de Pattasichis Catarensis and Boninus de Boninis XII. Martii. Both in folio. The last is the most rare, but the former by far the most elegant book,

The first edition of Lactantius was published, In Monasterio Sublacensi, in 1465. A copy of this most rare book was purchased for the King of France from the Valliere Collection for 1830 livres.

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There is a most superb copy of this book in the Cracherode Collection, as well as of the edition of 1471. In this last is the following note by Mr. Cracherode.

"A vero aberravit Audiffredy, p. 124, dicens Adamun Lactantii hujus impressorem esse eundem qui Ciceronis Orationes Anno 1472 edidit; nulla enim est inter utriusque characterem pa⚫ritas. Adeoque Adamus Lactantii Impressor longe discrepat ab Adamo Ciceronem impri

mente,

mente, et etiam uterque discrepat ab Adamo Rot Dominici de Sancto Geminiano lecturam super secunda parte decretalium imprimenti, id probante etiam dilucide Characterum disparitate.

Vide F. X. Laire I. L. t. 1. p. 245."

ALEXNANDER

ALEXANDER CUNNINGHAM,

THE Rev. Dr. Thompson, when he wrote the Introduction to the History of Great Britain from 1688 to the accession of George the first, left it a matter of doubt, whether Alexander Cunningham, the editor of Horace, and Alexander Cunningham, the author of that history, were the same or different persons.

I am able to pronounce, unequivocally, that they were different persons. Alexander Cunningham, the Historian, died in Westminster, and was buried in the Chancel of St. Martin's Church, on May the 15th, 1737. His will is deposited in Doctors Commons.

Alexander Cunningham, the Editor of Horace, died at the Hague in December, 1730. In the Obituary of Mr. Professor Macky, he is described as "Literator eximius."

I am in possession, through the kindness of Mr. G. Chalmers, of a duodecimo edition of Horace, by Rutgersius, in 1699, crouded with manuscript notes by this Alexander Cunningham. It was presented to the late Marquis of Lansdowne, by Lord Buchan, with the following letter,

"Dryburgh

My Lord,

Dryburgh Abbey, Nov. 14, 1800.

I have sent by the hands of my nephew, whom I beg leave to recommend to your Lordship's attention, the curious original Ms. of the Horatius Cunninghamii, which you will see mentioned in that interesting Preface to Hollinbury's edition of the Translation of Cunningham's History of Great Britain, with a view to determine his identity.

This little book seeks for access to your fine library, as will the bearer, who is fond of literature, and is an admirer of your literary and political character. I desire to be kindly remembered to Lord Henry Petty, and am, with much regard,

My Lord,

Your Lordship's obedient humble servant,

BUCHAN.

To the most honorable

The Marquis of Lansdowne.

London.

With a book by David Erskine, Esq. of Holmes." In the first leaf Lord Buchan has written thus: "Mr. Cunningham's Horace, with his original notes, given me by Mr. George Paton, March 4th, 1786."

VOL. II.

D d

In

is written,

"Notæ margi

In the second page nales in hoc libro scriptæ sunt per Alex. Cunninghamium."

The marginal notes are innumerable; not having the means of consulting an edition of Cunningham's Horace, I am not able to say whether the various readings which appear in this volume were there adopted, but many references to critical authors and passages appear in this volume, which would be of material use to every reader of this Poet.

This most curious little book was sold at the auction of Lord Lansdowne's library, and there purchased by Mr. Chalmers, for the sum of four guineas or thereabouts.

In the last page some person has written with a pencil, "Van de Waters Horatius, with Mr. Cunningham's Ms. corrections and various readings."

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