[484] A copy of this Specimen, dated 1763, evidently an advance copy, is in the library of the American Antiquarian Society, the gift of Isaiah Thomas, the printer, and is, as far as is known, the only copy in existence bearing this date. Copies of the 1764 Specimen occur in 8vo and 4to.
[485] Forty-four new founts appear in all, viz.: 2 Titlings, 15 Romans, 4 Greeks, 9 Hebrews, 1 Ethiopic, 1 Etruscan, 2 Saxons, 8 Blacks, and 2 Music, while the Flowers now number 63 varieties.
[486] “‘This New Foundery was begun in the year 1720 and finished 1763.’ So we are told by a note at the end of their Specimen published in 1764, although the same note tells us that though it was finished, yet it was not finished, ‘but would (with God’s leave) be carried on, etc.’ Amen!” (Dissert., p. 80.)
[487] Among the relics of the Caslon Foundry is a copy of the 1764 specimen book presented by Mr. Caslon to his friend Phil. Thicknesse the poet. At the end of the book appears Mr. Thicknesse’s letter of thanks to the donor, execrably printed by the poet himself, in type given him by Mr. Caslon.
[488] This Concert Room remains at Chiswell Street in pretty much its old form, and is now the repository of the interesting collection of portraits and relics, still preserved, of this venerable Foundry.
[489] A General History of the Science and Practice of Music. London. 1776. 4to. Vol. v, 127.
[490] The Rev. Dr. Lyttelton writes to Ames, April 25, 1744, “Some unforeseen business prevents Dr. Pococke and myself dining with Mr. Caslon to-morrow. I give you this notice that you may defer your visit till some day next week, when we will endeavour to meet there.”—Nichol’s Illustrations of Literature, iv, 231.
[491] Copies of which he continued to circulate, erasing with pen and ink the words “and Son” from the title-page and advertisement.
[492] A Concise History of the Origin and Progress of Printing, etc. London, 1770. 8vo. Reprinted in the following year with the title:—The History of the Art of Printing, in two Parts, etc., J. P. Luckombe, M.T.A. London, 1771. 8vo.
[493] Dissertation, p. 81.