On this day in 1747, after the separation of the Barbers and Surgeons it was recorded in the Court minutes that "The Master...had employed Mr Whiston the Bookseller to putt the Company's Library in order and to make a Catalogue and valuation thereof. And that Mr Whiston had appraised the same at Twenty Guineas And the Clerk acquainting the Court that a learned Physican had offered twenty-five Guineas for the Library together with the Skeleton and other curiosities formerly kept in the Library.
It was ordered that the Clerk should acquaint the Master of the Worshipfull Company of Surgeons with the said offer made to this Company. And that this Court being desirous to manifest their esteem for and preserve the friendship of the Surgeons did give them the refusal of the said Library Skeleton and Curiosities at the said price of Twenty ffive Guineas. And that in case of their acceptance thereof the rich and ancient Pall belonging to this Company should be at their service as a free gift."
The sale to the Surgeons was never completed and by 1751 the Library was eventually disposed of to Mr Whiston for £13. Whilst the 'rich and ancient pall' that had proved insufficient temptation to the Surgeons went to the Barbers' Beadle, the final destination of the contents of the Library is unknown.