LAW LIBRARY BOUGHT RARE BOOK

The Law School Library has come into the possession of an extremely rare volume of the laws of South Carolina. It is the earliest complete revision of the laws of that province and was printed at Charleston, S. C., in 1736. The book, which consists of two volumes together, was printed under the supervision of Nicholas Trott, LL.D., who revised many of the earlier laws of the colonies. This book was formerly the property of Governor Gabriel Johnston, of North Carolina, whose autograph it bears.

The history of the book is not completely verified, but it is said to have been handed down from generation to generation in Governor Johnston's family. Later it was lost and only discovered when the parlor of the Johnston mansion was made over. The book was apparently found on the floor under a pile of other volumes. In spite of the lack of care taken of it, it has been well preserved. The paper shows no signs of decay.

The only other known copy of this volume is one in the possession of the Bar Association of New York, for which that organization paid $975. The present volume cost the Law Library $1,000, but is in excellent condition, whereas the other copy is imperfect.