Foreign language books (mainly Italian and German) feature significantly in this Collection. Alexander Henderson of Caskieben bequeathed his private library to Marischal College in 1851. He travelled widely in Europe especially in Italy and Germany and thus many of the volumes originate from both these countries. The Collection is well served by volumes on such diverse subjects as history, travel, science, viticulure and medicine.
Keywords: History; topographical works; science; viticultre; medicine.
Strengths: History, travel and scientific subjects are well represented. There is also a section on viticulture. Henderson was renowned for his knowledge of wine, and for a considerable period his book, The History of Ancient and Modern Wines (London, 1824), with a German translation of 1833, remained the standard work. There are also about sixty Edinburgh medical theses dating between 1801-03.
Languages:English, Italian, French, German, Latin
Identifier: HN
Physical characteristics: c. 3000 volumes.
Accumulation date range: c. 1794-c. 1850
Contents date range: 1601-1863
Associated Publications: A brief memoir of Henderson appears in W. M. Ramsay, Descriptive Notes on the Classical Vases in the Henderson Collection, Marischal College (Aberdeen: Aberdeen University Press, 1881), 5-8. For a transcript of the documents relating to Dr Henderson's benefactions see P. J. Anderson's Fasti Academiae Mariscallanae Aberdonensis...1593-1860 (Aberdeen: New Spalding Club, 1889-98), I, pp. 529-33. Available on Library OPAC or WebPAC
Accrual Status: Closed
Custodial history/provenance: Alexander Henderson of Caskieben (alumnus of Marischal College, 1794-98; MD, Edinburgh, 1803), as a medical practitioner in London, was able to indulge his keen interest in literature and art, building up a library of some 3000 volumes including some rare medical works and much foreign language material, dating from the sixteenth to the nineteenth century. Earlier in life he attended the Universities of Leipzig and Gottingen giving him a taste for travel (especially Italy and Germany) and languages. Dr. Henderson bequeathed his library to Marischal College in 1851.
Access Control: Closed access - please request. Non-borrowable.