Exploring our Collections
The Worth Library is perhaps best known for three reasons: its extensive holdings in early modern medicine and science which make it an important research facility for all historians of medicine and science pre 1733; and Worth’s rare printings and fine bindings which ensure that the Worth Library is of world-wide importance to historians of the book, particularly those interested in the book as material object. But there is much more to explore and the best starting point is our Catalogue. Our ‘Modern Catalogue’ is being continually updated with additional bibliographical information and is searchable under both an ‘All field’ and ‘Advanced’ search.
Other ways to explore our collections: our onsite and online exhibitions
Each year staff and interns at the Worth Library prepare two different types of exhibition: our ‘Smaller Exhibitions’, usually curated by interns, focus on material which may be displayed in our two display cases, while a slightly longer version is provided online. The subjects of these exhibitions explore the full range of Worth’s extensive collections, which comprise medicine, science, travel, architecture, literature, classics, history, antiquarian works and reference works, with a small cohort of theological texts. Our large annual online exhibitions usually focus on three core strengths: the History of the Book, the History of Medicine, and the History of Science. These, like the online version of the smaller exhibitions always remain available online even after their accompanying display case exhibition has ended.
History of the Book
Due to the unusual history of the collection, Worth’s books offer historians of the book a unique resource, not only because of his love of rare printings but also his fascination with bookbindings. The sale and auction catalogues dating from the last ten years of his life (1723-33), which he also left to the library, make it clear that Worth was buying books not only from Dublin and London bookshops, but also at international auctions at London, Amsterdam and The Hague. As a result his texts and bindings reflect both the history of printing and the history of bookbinding in Western Europe.
History of Medicine
As Worth practised as a physician in early eighteenth-century Dublin he naturally collected a large library devoted to all things medical. His library is of major importance because it is the only extant medical library dating from the early eighteenth century in Ireland. It offers readers an unparalleled resource for the history of medicine.
History of Science
Worth was a Fellow of the Royal Society and took a keen interest in both natural history and natural philosophy. He was a committed follower of Newton and developed a large scientific collection. His extensive scientific collection offers historians of science a fascinating insight into scientific developments in early modern Europe.
Other Exhibitions, Blog Posts, Podcasts and Publications
While our large annual online exhibitions tend to focus on the history of the book, medicine and science, some have explored related themes, such as ‘Mythical Creatures at the Edward Worth Library’; ‘Architecture at the Edward Worth Library’, ‘Van Dyck at the Edward Worth Library’, and ‘Dr Steevens’ Hospital: A History’. Our blog posts, which we call ‘Books of the Month’, investigate a host of subjects. We also offer podcasts and publications of all kinds, which explore different aspects of the collections.