Charles Chauncy 1709-1777

Charles CHAUNCY or CHAUNCEY 1709-1777

Biographical Note

Born in London, son of Charles Chauncy. MB Corpus Christi College, Cambridge 1734, MD 1739, after which he practised as a physician in London (fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, 1740). He was a keen antiquary and collector of paintings and coins as well as books; he was a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and was elected a fellow of the Royal Society in 1740.

Books

Chauncy assembled an extensive library and was described by de Ricci as "one of the earliest bibliophiles to pay attention to literary manuscripts or presentation copies". His collections were inherited by his brother Nathaniel Chauncy and their joint libraries were auctioned in London, beginning 15 April 1790.

Characteristic Markings

Chauncy used several engraved armorial bookplates (Franks 5653-55). He also used an armorial binding stamp based on his crest.

Sources

• British Armorial Bindings
• Inspiring Physicians, Royal College of Physicians.
• Alston, R. C., Inventory of sale catalogues ... 1676-1800, St Philip, 2010.
• A catalogue of the elegant and valuable libraries of Charles Chauncy ... and of his brother Nathaniel Chauncy, [London, 1790].
• De Ricci, S., English collectors of books and manuscripts, Cambridge, 1930, p.57.
• Gambier Howe, E. R. J. Franks bequest: catalogue of British and American book plates bequeathed to the ... British Museum. London, 1903-4.
• Moore, Norman, and Catherine Bergin. "Chauncey, Charles (1709–1777), physician and antiquary." Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.