Mary E. Rath-Merrill bookplate

The design of this bookplate of Mary E. Rath Merrill, Columbus, Ohio, is symbolically rich. The inscription in the frame reads: "My soul what gracious glorious powers to hue and radiance God has given," followed by the attribution "Cautley Emblems." The attribution may refer to "A Century of Emblems," a book published in 1878 by Rev. George Spencer Cautley, a scholar and collector of emblems. The design includes a quote from poet and Anglican priest George Herbert (1593-1633): "What is fairer than a rose, what is sweeter?" It also includes a motto in Latin: "Patior Putior." Rath-Merrill and this bookplate are mentioned in the book "Some American College Bookplates" (1915) by Harry Parker Ward, Winward Prescott, and Theodore Wesley Koch. The relevant text reads: "The heraldry is: the Crest, the emblem of the Blessed Virgin as patron saint. The dexter shield contains the arms of learned societies to which Mrs. Rath-Merrill belongs. The plate is surmounted by the Mystic Rose. The Tree 'Igdrasel' or tree of knowledge, with its three roots and sleeping serpent suggests the power of knowledge over ignorance. Mrs. Rath-Merrill has taken an important part in the restoration of Ecclesiastical Symbolism and Embroidery to its former high position. She designed the famous symbolic Ohio Memorial Bookplate for the Ohio Alcove in the American Library of Manilla [sic], the engraving being done by Mr. W.F. Hopson." This page identifies Rath-Merrill as the principal of Columbus School of Applied Decoration and Art