On 27th September 2011 Minister of Foreign Affairs – Radosław Siorski – handled over to the Rector of University of Wrocław – Prof. Marek Bojarski – and Director of Wroclaw University Library – Grażyna Piotrowicz – priceless manuscript from the 15th century, that was recovered by Team for the Restitution of Cultural Heritage, managed by Prof. Wojciech Kowalski. It is the fourth manuscript recovered by Wroclaw University Library during last 7 years in the cooperation with Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Recovered item - Liber de natura rerum, by Thomas Cantimpratensis, is a kind of encyclopedia written between the years 1237-1240, very popular and widespread during Medieval times. Author collected within this book all current knowledge regarding natural history, including: anthropology, zoology, botanic, astronomy, astrology, meteorology, etc.

The work is known in three different versions: first one consisted of 19 volumes, second – of 20 volumes (competed around the year 1244) and the third one, latest of them, consisted of abbreviations and rearranges made by Dominicans to the original text.

Encyclopedia Liber de natura rerum was very popular during Medieval times. Number of copies preserved in various European libraries can serve as a proof of this popularity. When counting first (19 volumes) and second version (20 volumes), number of preserved specimens is estimated to over 100, with the third, shortened version, this number increases to over 160 items.

According to German sources among these first one hundred items there are 6 illustrated one. Preserved illustrated items originate from libraries in Würzburg, Berlin, Valencia, Prague (two items) and from former City Library in Wroclaw, which successor is Wroclaw University Library.

Manuscript R 174 (old calls number: S. IV. 1. 13 = Scrinium IV. Series 1. 13.) of size 32,5 x 23,5 cm, on parchment, consists of 202 cards, on cards 1r and 201v are placed source stamps and notes (Rhedigersch. Stadt Bibliothek zu Breslau). It originates from the late 15th century.

In September 1943, as a safety measure from bombardments, most precious manuscript collections of former City Library were packed into 100 crates and evacuated to the palace in Ramfeld (presently – Ramułtowice). Manuscript R 174 there was in the crate no. 87, that was placed in the Music Hall in the palace, and from where it was looted. Till 2011 manuscript was considered as a lost one.

From 28th September 2011 manuscript was widely presented in the Wroclaw University Library to the television, radio and press.
[2011-10-4]