The Curators' activities may be illustrated by some extracts from the first Order Book[78]:
Aug. 23rd 1698
1 Agreed then at a meeting of ye Curators of ye University-Press, yt Mr Jacob Tonson have leave to print an edition of Virgil, Horace, Terence, Catullus, Tibullus and Propertius in 4to with ye double Pica Letter: he paying to such persons as shall be appointed by ye said Curators 12s p. Sheet for ye impression of 500 copies: 14s for 750; and so in proportion for a greater Number: and yt Dr Mountague, Dr Covell, Mr Leng, Mr Laughton and Mr Talbot shall sign ye Articles of ye agreement above mentioned, on ye part of ye University.
2 Agreed at ye same time, yt Mr Edmund Jeffries have leave to print an Edition of Tully's works in 12mo with the Brevier Letter: he paying 1l. 10s. ye sheet for 1000 Copies.
3 That Cornelius Crownfield have leave to send to Roterdam for 300l weight of ye double Pica letter in order to ye Printing of Virgil, Horace, &c in ye manner above mentioned.
The next extract shows the executive arrangements made by the Curators; clearly the whole body (including the Heads of Houses and Professors) was too large to handle the details of administration and committees of delegates were appointed to take monthly tours of duty.
Provision was also made for the reading of proofs by competent scholars to be nominated by the editor and approved by the delegates.
Octob. 17. 98.
Present Dr James Vicechancellour, Dr Covell, Dr Blithe, Dr Roderick, Dr Smoult, Dr Perkins, Mr Barnet, Mr Laughton, Mr Leng, Mr Beaumont, Mr Pearse, Mr Wollaston, Mr Talbot, Mr Bennett.