In the preface to the Analysis per Quantitatum Series ... by William Jones (father of his more celebrated namesake), London, 1711, 4to., which contains some of the matter published in 1712 in the Commercium Epistolicum, occurs the following passage:—
"Etenim secundus jam agitur annus ex quo Scrinia D. Collinsii (qui, uti notum est, amplissimum cum sui sæculi Mathematicis commercium habuit) meas in manus inciderint; et in illis plurima reperi à cunctis fere totius Europæ eruditis ipsi communicata; et inter ea non pauca, quæ a Viro Cl. D. Newtono scripta fuerint."
This is hardly language which could be used with reference to papers lodged in the custody of the Society: it would seem as if Jones, in 1709 or 1710, became the owner or borrower of papers, till then in private hands exclusively. Can any evidence be brought forward as to the manner in which Jones and the Royal Society, or either, obtained these papers? I believe the Royal Society itself can give no information.
Minor Queries.
Madrigal, Meaning of.
—What is the derivation of the word madrigal?
NEMO.
"Experto crede Roberto."
—Can any of your correspondents inform me what is the origin of the expression so frequently quoted, "Experto crede Roberto?"