The intriguing bookplate of Dr. M. Sassi (Figures 65, 66) was mounted in the First Report of the Welcome Research Laboratories at the Gordon Memorial College, Khartoum, the subject of which is the vector insects of Sudan.  Dr. Sassi was a specialist in malaria.  This 1904 bookplate depicts a research safari in Africa.  Of the four African animals at the four corners, the birds’ wings and bodies are incorporated into the design of the flaps of the tent.  On the wooden table set up in the tent there is a microscope, laboratory notebook and ink, a crocodilian skull, and several jars of preservative with snakes and other specimens.  Outside, a member of the safari is firing a rifle or shotgun at an unknown target, perhaps another study specimen.

click image to enlarge (213K) Figure 65

click image to enlarge (207K) Figure 66

Another intriguing bookplate is that of Franz Schubel (Figure 67).  In addition to the microscope on the stack of books, there are two insects figured prominently and the owner is clearly quite proud of his Phi Beta Kappa key, and his membership in another Greek-letter society.  The bookplate probably belongs to an entomologist.

click image to enlarge (135K) Figure 67

click image to enlarge (180K) Figure 68

The bookplate of Dr. Richard H. Swift of Los Angeles (Figure 68) is mounted in a copy of The Doctor in Court (E.H. Williams, M.D.; Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, 1929).   An inclined microscope is featured centrally in the shield.  An ancient Greek coin is also incorporated into the shield.  The Latin motto incorporated into the border of the shield, Vincit Omnia Veritas, means Truth Conquers All.  Since the book this bookplate was mounted in is a collection of experiences of the Expert Medical Witness, it is probable that the owner was a medical doctor involved in that field, especially since the Appendix in the book refers to Expert Testimony given before the Judge of the Superior Court, Los Angeles County, and the owner was from Los Angeles, as indicated by his embossed stamp on the title page.

The bookplate of Frederick B. Turnbull, composed by “HAW” in 1914, is similar to some other interiors we have seen (Figures 69, 70) – the microscopes to the right on the table set before an outdoor scene; a refractor telescope, with finder, on the left; the open book, with reading glasses; extensive bookshelves left and right; and a sailing vessel in view outdoors.  The Latin phrase above, Audaci Favet Fortuna can be translated as Fortune Favors the Bold.

click image to enlarge (192K) Figure 69

click image to enlarge (166K) Figure 70

The lending of one’s books is a risky business; one usually loses book and borrower.  If the borrower is a friend, lend the book with an appropriate and tastefully-designed personal bookplate pasted inside the front cover; if you do not know the borrower, advise them to,

Go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

Matthew 25:9