Commonplace book, 1755-[1778?] Digital
Scope and Contents
This volume is paginated and organized under various subject headings. Entries include extracts and quotations from Locke’s readings, poetry, apothegms, and citations. Topics include the constellations, the discovery of America and the nature of its original inhabitants, the excellence and morality of God, justification by faith, human liberty, the art of preaching, the nature of God, the Ten Commandments, original sin, charity, human happiness, anatomy, and the captivity of the Jews. A note by John Goodwin Locke (b. 1803) regarding the date of Samuel Locke’s birthday appears on the first page. The volume also contains a record of the cost of Locke's education at Harvard College.
The cover of the volume was removed during conservation treatment in 2004 and is housed separately, as were three other documents: a drawing of the Locke farm in Sherborn, Massachusetts, a eulogy to Locke written by Samuel Langdon, his successor as President of Harvard, and a note in Latin.
A microfilm copy of the volume is also housed separately.
Dates
- Creation: 1755-[1778?]
Conditions on Use and Access
The Papers of Samuel Locke are open for research use. Access to fragile original documents may be restricted. Please consult the reference staff for further details.
Extent
0.35 cubic feet (2 volumes, 1 folio box, 2 microfilm rolls)Biographical / Historical
Samuel Locke began this book as a student at Harvard and presumably continued it until his death in 1778. In 1845, while in the possession of Dr. John Locke of Cincinnati, Ohio, the book was damaged by fire. Dr. Locke inserted a transcription of a damaged paragraph on page 45.
Creator
- From the Collection: Locke, Samuel, 1731-1777 (Person)
Repository Details
Part of the Harvard University Archives Repository
Holding nearly four centuries of materials, the Harvard University Archives is the principal repository for the institutional records of Harvard University and the personal archives of Harvard faculty, as well as collections related to students, alumni, Harvard-affiliates and other associated topics. The collections document the intellectual, cultural, administrative and social life of Harvard and the influence of the University as it emerged across the globe.
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