Call Number:

C1516

Repository:

Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division

Extent:

• 1 box
• 0.4 linear feet

Language:

Latin

Preferred Citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Ernest Cushing Richardson Collection of Papal Seals, Box and Folder Number; Manuscripts Division, Special Collections, Princeton University Library.

Date:

1484-1903 (inclusive)

Creator:

Richardson, Ernest Cushing, 1860-1939

Abstract:

This collection consists of twelve lead papal seals, ranging in dates from the 15th century to the late 19th and early 20th century.

Ernest Cushing Richardson (1860-1939) was an American librarian, theologian and scholar who made significant contributions to the field of American librarianship. He was the University Librarian for Princeton University from 1890 to 1925, and during his tenure invented a new cataloging system that was specific to the Princeton library, often called the "Princeton system" or the "Richardson system". In 1925, Richardson became consultant to the Library of Congress. He died in Switzerland in 1939.

Ernest Cushing Richardson (1860-1939) was an American librarian, theologian and scholar who made significant contributions to the field of American librarianship. He was the University Librarian for Princeton University from 1890 to 1925, and during his tenure invented a new cataloging system that was specific to the Princeton library, often called the "Princeton system" or the "Richardson system". In 1925, Richardson became consultant to the Library of Congress. He died in Switzerland in 1939.

This collection consists of twelve papal seals, including seals for Pope Paul III and Pope Urban VIII. Papal seals were made of lead instead of sealing wax. They were attached to the bottom of documents by chords and called bullas, which caused papal documents to be referred to as papal bulls. The seals were collected by Ernest Cushing Richardson, a former University Librarian.