This issue of History of Universities, Volume XXXI / 2, contains the customary mix of learned articles and book reviews which makes this publication such an indispensable tool for the historian of higher education. The volume is, as always, a lively combination of original research and invaluable reference material.

This issue of History of Universities, Volume XXXI / 2, contains the customary mix of learned articles and book reviews which makes this publication such an indispensable tool for the historian of higher education. The volume is, as always, a lively combination of original research and invaluable reference material.

This study describes the history of the library of the Franeker University, which existed from 1585 to 1843. Its collection is examined chronologically thanks to eleven printed catalogues, and placed in the context of the university and other similar libraries.

Twelve original essays by an international team of scholars investigate the relation of John Locke's thought to Descartes and Cartesianism. They explore not only these philosophers' theories of knowledge, but also their views on natural philosophy, metaphysics, and religion.