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Overdue library book returned after 120 years

On Thursday, the Hereford Cathedral School in the U.K released the fact a book that had been overdue for 120 years had been returned. After her husband passed away, 77-year-old Alice Gillett began going through his possessions including his collection of about 6,000 books. The widow came across one book that had a stamp indicating it was owned by the Hereford Cathedral School. The book was written by Dr. William B. Carpenter and entitled, “The Microscope and its Revelations.” It contained more than 1,000 pages.

Gillett ascertained the book was borrowed by her grandfather, Arthur Boycott, in 1886. Boycott was a student at the school between 1886 and 1894 and graduated with first class honours.

Boycott went on to become a distinguished professor and was a naturalist and a pathologist. According to Gillett, he had a special interest in snails and published his first paper when he was only 15. Gillett said her grandmother told her he always had snails in his pocket.

Gillett returned the book to the Hereford Cathedral School along with a note of apology. She wrote, “I am sorry to inform you that one of your former students, Professor A.E. Boycott appears to have stolen the enclosed.” She jokingly added” I don’t know how the school managed without it!” A spokesman for the school said they were glad to get the book back and were pleased it was still in good condition.

The school does not impose fines for overdue books. But applying the fine of 17p per day imposed by the local library, the fine would have amounted to £7,446.

Given what Boycott went on to do after he graduated, at least he probably put the book to good use.

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