John Flamsteed, Historiae coelestis libro duo, London: John Matthews, 1712. (close up of handwriting)
John Flamsteed was so angered by the printing of this book against his wishes that he burned huge portions of the print run. The Linda Hall Library copy is one of only four such copies known and is the only known copy with annotations and corrections in Flamsteed’s handwriting.
Step into six centuries of scientific and historical discovery at Linda Hall Library’s 2025 New Acquisitions exhibition. This show offers visitors a rare opportunity to see extraordinary, never-before-exhibited rare books from the Library’s world-renowned collection.
A Rare Glimpse into History
The Linda Hall Library’s distinguished History of Science collection contains over 50,000 volumes, documenting the history of science and of early modern intellectual thought. It is home to treasures like Galileo’s Sidereus Nuncius (1610), Copernicus’ De revolutionibus orbium coelestium (1543), and the 1472 printing of Pliny the Elder’s Naturalis Historia, our oldest title.
To honor its commitment to preserving science’s expansive and rich history, the Linda Hall Library continues to grow its collection. You are invited to explore these new additions and consider their distinctive value to our lives and the world around us.
This year’s New Acquisitions exhibition features an exclusive glimpse into new additions to this extraordinary collection, including the only known copy of John Flamsteed’s Historiae coelestis libri duo featuring his handwritten annotations. This volume not only fueled a bitter dispute with Isaac Newton
and Edmond Halley but famously survived a bonfire set by Flamsteed himself.
Explore other treasures, from a 1547 pamphlet on a devastating locust plague to Galileo’s il Saggiatore (1623). Uncover the science, stories, and artistry within these pages, and gain exclusive insights into the meticulous process of how these invaluable historical artifacts are discovered and acquired.
Also included in the exhibition is this modern flora, a book describing flowering plant species, explores how nature was perceived and shared in Mughal India before European colonization. As part of her commentary on the colonial extraction of plants and people, Radha Pandey collaborated with Indian artisans on all aspects of the book.
The Art of the Acquisition
Curious how a rare book finds its way into the Linda Hall Library’s special collections? It’s a thoughtful and deliberate process guided by a dedication to preservation and scholarship.
- Discovery – The Library’s curatorial team learns about available books through a combination of research, inquiries, and relationships with trusted dealers, who often share previews of materials before they are publicly listed.
- Due Diligence – The team conducts a thorough investigation to verify bibliographic details, assess condition, and evaluate the price.
- Purchase – Once a book meets the Library’s standards, an order is placed.
- Processing – Upon arrival, the book is carefully unpacked and admired. The Collections team logs the book into the Library’s catalog system while the Finance team closes the transaction.
- Cataloging – The work conducted earlier becomes the foundation for cataloging. The Library’s cataloging record aims to replicate the experience of handling the book in person, especially for international researchers who rely on remote access to access the collection.
- Digitization – Books that are stable enough for scanning are sent to the Digital Initiatives Unit. There, they are digitized and made available online, expanding access to scholars and the public around the world.
- Outreach – Select acquisitions are featured in blog posts, exhibitions, in-person presentations, and social media, inviting the public into the ongoing story of the History of Science collection.
Visit the Exhibition
The 2025 New Acquisitions exhibition is free and open to the public Oct. 23, 2025 – Feb. 14, 2026. Exhibition hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and the second Saturday of each month, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Interested in exploring the full History of Science collection? Special collections at the Linda Hall Library are available by appointment only. For more information about the exhibition or to learn about requesting a research appointment, visit lindahall.org.
