This collection consists of around 1170 items on theological subjects, many of which are composite volumes of pamphlets, with the emphasis on the 19th-century pamphlet wars on temperance and Lord's Day observance, though there are also some 17th-century volumes on the Sabbath controversy and works on dogmatic theology. It was formed by Robert Cox WS (1810-1872), who worked in the legal office of his uncle George Combe (see Combe collection). After becoming a Writer to the Signet, Cox limited his legal work and devoted himself to scientific and literary matters. After a few years serving as secretary of the Philosophical Literary and Commercial Institution in Liverpool, Cox returned to Edinburgh in 1839. He contributed to and was editor of Combe's 'Phrenological Journal' until it stopped in 1847, and became involved in several social and philanthropic causes. From 1840s onwards he became engaged in the Sabbath controversy as an opponent of Sabbatarians who were trying to prevent passenger trains running on Sundays between Edinburgh and Glasgow. He was the author of 'Sabbath Laws and Sabbath Duties', Edinburgh, 1853, and other works.

Organisation

The books have been catalogued individually and have the shelfmark 'Cox.'.

Acquisition

The collection was bequeathed to the Faculty of Advocates by Robert Cox. Ownership was transferred to the National Library after its foundation in 1925.