Books behind bars

I feel very privileged today, to be taking photographs in The Royal College of Physicians in Regent's Park.

One of the rooms I investigated is the library, a large oak panelled room which now serves as a function room, books behind bars in wall cases.

I was fascinated by the older books with hand written spines. Francois Viete wrote his important book on algebra during a life which spanned from 1540-1603.

I found myself wondering if the hand written vellum spine contained a book which was also hand written or printed. Difficult to tell. Gutenberg started work on his first printed bible in 1452. Were Viete's mentors rich enough to afford the expense?