The architectural history of the University of Cambridge, and of the colleges of Cambridge and Eton . for chains, locks, and iron-work, prove the former existence of the system. In the library of S. Johns College we meet with the firstindication of a more modern form of bookcase. This library wasbuilt between 1623 and 16282; and the beautiful fittings whichare actually in use at the present day were provided during thesame period. This curious specimen of Jacobean Gothic, asProfessor Willis terms it, is no feet long, by 30 feet has an original boarded roof, ten lofty pointed windows o
The architectural history of the University of Cambridge, and of the colleges of Cambridge and Eton . for chains, locks, and iron-work, prove the former existence of the system. In the library of S. Johns College we meet with the firstindication of a more modern form of bookcase. This library wasbuilt between 1623 and 16282; and the beautiful fittings whichare actually in use at the present day were provided during thesame period. This curious specimen of Jacobean Gothic, asProfessor Willis terms it, is no feet long, by 30 feet has an original boarded roof, ten lofty pointed windows oneach side, each of two lights, and an oriel at the west end. The 1 [History of Queens College, Vol. II. p. 50.] 2 [History of S. Johns College, Vol. II. pp. 263—271.] 29—2 452 THE LIBRARY. principal bookcases (fig. 17) stand at right angles to the walls,in the spaces between the windows. Their general arrangementwill be understood from the illustration. They are 8 feet2 inches high, and 2 feet 3 inches broad. It will be observedthat they are no longer detached from the side walls, as in the. Fig. 17. Bookcases in S. Johns College Library, Cambridge, made 1623—28. older examples, but their cornice is continuous with that of thepanelwork which lines the walls and the window-jambs. Pro-fessor Willis has left the following notes upon them: theyhave been considerably altered by changing the levels of theshelves. The plinths originally ran round the sides of the was a rich pilaster in the middle of each [below the central BOOKCASES AT S. JOHNS COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE. 453 bracket], and a broad member along its side in continuation ofthat which remains at the end above the arches. In makingthis criticism Professor Willis was probably guided by thearrangement of the bookcases at Kings College (fig. 20) whichwere put up in 1659, or of those at Clare Hall, to be describedbelow. No traces of chaining1 remain, but the catalogue of thebooks contained in each case was still writ
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