On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres

A detailed circular bookplate seal for the Boston Public Library is enclosed in a rectangular border with corner ornaments. The seal features two nude infants [putti] flanking a central pedestal that holds an open book. On the book is the word "LIGHT" original: "LVX". Above the figures is a banner reading "THE TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY". To the left and right of the pedestal are the words "OF ALL" and "CITIZENS" original: "OMNIVM CIVIVM". The bottom arc of the seal reads "OF THE CITY OF BOSTON 1852 1878". The entire circular emblem is surrounded by a laurel wreath tied with a ribbon at the bottom.

The Bates Fund was established by Joshua Bates (1788–1864), a London-based American financier whose 1852 donation was instrumental in founding the Boston Public Library.