Adopt-a-Book appeal

Act now... and help us to preserve our heritage by adopting one of the books in the Historical Collection.

The RCVS Knowledge Library is unique in being the library of the veterinary profession. We have built up a significant collection of books and journals on matters of veterinary and animal health interest since the Library was established in 1853.

Our Historical Collection has been formed from the many generous gifts and donations from veterinarians and other animal health workers down the years. This tradition, started by the founding members of the veterinary profession, has continued to the present. The Collection now is one of international interest and importance.

The earliest book in the Collection is from 1514, the Latin Libri de re rustica (Book of country affairs) by Cato and others. The earliest purely veterinary work is from 1528, the Ars Veterinaria of Vegetius Renatus, also in Latin. This is on the distempers of horses and has an English translation dating from 1748. We have several English language works from the 16th and 17th centuries and multiples editions of works by popular 18th and 19th century authors. 

“I am delighted to support this Adopt-a-Book Appeal to conserve the Historical Collection of the RCVS Charitable Trust Library. This Collection, formed out of many generous gifts and donations from veterinarians over the century, traces the development of veterinary science and practice since the sixteenth century. It is of international interest and importance - I do hope you will join me in lending your support to this innovative campaign.”

Clive Farahar,  Adopt-a-Book Patron
Antiquarian Bookseller, Broadcaster, Writer and regular Antiques Roadshow expert