[Hieron Mercurialis, an eminent and learned physician, was born at
Forli, in Romagna, in 1530. During a sojourn of seven years at
Rome, he paid great attention to classical literature and the
monuments of antiquity, and composed the learned and elegant work
which first rendered him celebrated in the literary world, _De
Arte Gymnastica Libr. sex_, printed in 1567. After filling the
Professor's chair at Padua for eighteen years, he removed, in
1587, to Bologna, and subsequently to Pisa. He died in his native
place in 1606. See Rose's _Biographical Dict._]
_The Book of Sports._--This celebrated royal indulgence of
Sabbath-breaking was first issued in 1617, and again in 1633. On its
first promulgation, Archbishop Abbott forbad the reading of it in the
parish church of Croydon; but in 1637 many clergymen were deprived of
their livings for not complying with the royal ordinance. In that year,
at least, Lawrence Snelling, Rector of Paul's Cray, was for that offence
excommunicated and then deprived.
In 1643 it was ordered by the Lords and Commons that this book should be
burnt by the common hangman in Cheapside and other usual places. The
Sheriffs of London and Middlesex were required "to assist effectually"
in the execution of the order; and all persons were required forthwith
to deliver up all copies to the sheriff. The 10th of May was the day
fixed for putting this order into execution. Was it complied with
generally? I cannot find that any penalty was attached to disobedience.
Is the book now scarce? I presume it is accessible in public libraries.