Leiden MS BPL 922
Today, I visited the University of Leiden (Grotius's university). In addition to enjoying the sites of this beautiful university city, I spent some time in the Leiden Special Collections exploring some of the Grotius manuscripts. My time was limited, so I prioritized manuscripts related to the Inleidinge tot de Hollandsche Rechtsgeleerdheid. I was also advised by a colleague to study BPL 922 which contained several leaves of writing - 'theses' - on various points of political and legal theory. These include the autographs of the Commentarius ad Theses XI and ad Theses LVI.
I realize, however, that deciphering Grotius's handwriting will be a challenge. I wonder if this is the sort of project that AI might have some use?
I may need a few days to let sink in the fact that I worked with Grotius's own manuscripts. Here are some samples of materials I recorded:
Opening page of the Commentaries ad Theses XI |