"OPINIONS TOUCHING… ABOUT EXPORTING WHALE FFINS… BOOKS PRINTED IN IRELAND… WINES STOLEN OUT OF THE KINGS WAREHOUSE…"

(ENGLISH LAW). Manuscript Book of Precedents. England, 1673-93. Quarto, modern full brown morocco; 53 leaves. $2500.

17th century manuscript legal book of precedents, with entries dated between 1673 and 1693 citing legal opinions, generally relating to trade.

This manuscript, in a clear readable hand with a manuscript index, contains opinions by thirteen different legal experts, including William Jones, Robert Stephens and Francis Pemberton. The cited opinions generally regard trade, and mention corn, imported flowers, wine, wool, fish, sarsaparilla, vinegar, gloves, cattle, and stockfish, among other goods; there is a particular emphasis on laws regarding trade with England's growing empire: entry number 99 is "The East India Companys Charter," and others focus on goods specifically from Ireland or the Caribbean.

First leaf misbound, text complete; tape repair to top corner of first leaf. An intriguing piece of legal history.