Collection of humorous verses and sketches relating to Harvard College, 1769

Manuscript volume in various hands containing three general sections: satirical poems about Harvard tutors, a section of "last words & dying" speeches of Harvard tutors, and a copy of the Book of Harvard."

Diploma of Cornelius Coolidge, AB, 1798

Handwritten diploma with the Harvard University seal conferring a bachelor's degree on Cornelius Coolidge and signed by the members of the Harvard Corporation: President Joseph Willard; Fellows Oliver Wendell, John Lowell, James Bowdoin, Simeon Howard, and John Lathrop; and Treasurer Ebenezer Storer.

A poem delivered at Harvard College, September 29th, 1789

Eight-page untitled handwritten poem attributed to Harvard student Benjamin Whitwell (Harvard AB 1790). The poem begins “The brow of age is soften’d into smiles” and contains classical and militaristic allusions. An annotation indicates that a set of stanzas beginning, “On thee, our common parent! Guardian! Friend! His mildest warmth, his brightest beams descend….” refers to Harvard President Joseph Willard. The text includes edits and annotations.

Tabulae solares ex theoria gravitatis, et observationibus praecipue Gottingensibus deductae: Adjectis nonnullis aliis tabulis astronomicis / auctore Tobia Mayer : manuscript, [17--]

Astronomical tables concerning the sun and moon, longitude and latitude, with predictive calculations to the year 1807.

" Lines upon the late proceedings of the College Government" collection, 1787-1917

This collection contains various manifestations of a humorous poem, most often called "Lines upon the late proceedings of the College Government," written by classmates John Quincy Adams and John Murray Forbes in 1787. Both Adams and Forbes were members of the class of 1787, and the poem recounts events surrounding the pranks and ensuing punishment of two members of the class behind them, Robert Wier and James Prescott. Wier and Prescott had been caught drinking wine and making "riotous noise," and they were publicly reprimanded by Harvard President Joseph Willard and several professors and tutors, including Eliphalet Pearson, Eleazar James, Jonathan Burr, Nathan Read, and Timothy Lindall Jennison. The poem mocks these authority figures, but it spares Samuel Williams, whom it suggests was the only professor to find their antics humorous.

Power of attorney for Joseph Chip, 1804 December 21

Handwritten draft of a power of attorney, in Croswell's hand, authorizing John Jones to act for mariner Joseph Chip.

Franks family papers, 1711-1821, [1965-1968].

Contains business correspondence, accounts and documents relating to Jacob Franks of New York, his two sons, Moses and David, a nephew, Isaac, and a John Franks of Halifax, possibly a member of the family.

The life of Joseph Priestly, LL.D., F.R.S., &c., with critical observations on his works.

Mode of access: Internet.

Memoirs of Dr. Joseph Priestley : to the year 1795 /

On t.p. of v. 2: To which are added, Four posthumous discourses.

Memoirs of Dr. Joseph Priestley, to the year 1795 /

"Catalogue of books written by Dr. Priestley": v. 2, p.i-viii.

Letters to the Rev. Thomas Belsham, on some important subjects of theological discussion, referred to in his Discourse on occasion of the death of the Rev. Joseph Priestley.

Mode of access: Internet.

Voyage et campagnes au Canada / par M. le chevalier de D. L. P. : manuscript, 1757-1760

Describes his voyage to Canada from Brest, and his observations of military operations and Indians while in Louisbourg, Québec, and Fort Carillon.