The Cambridge Portfolio

In 1627 was published a book called Vox Piscis or the Book-Fish. The preface quaintly relates the story of its origin :— it was simply this, that the sheets from which the matter was taken were found in the maw of a cod-fish that was caught on “Lin deeps.” From the fisherman it came to the Cambridge market; it was opened in common course, and the book produced, where Benjamin Prime the Batchelor's beadle seeing it, had it conveyed to the Vice-Chancellor who took special notice of it, and made inquisition into the truth of the matter. The book was put into the hands of a binder to be restored: the story soon became known and was proclaimed by letter in all parts of the world. This happened at Commencement when it may be supposed fish were in request; the wonder excited by the event was great, and the talk spread wide: some spoke in earnest, others in joke ;—

“A yongue Scholar (who had in a Stationer's shop peeped into the Titles of the Ciuill Law) there viewing this vnconcocted booke in the Codd-fish, made a Quiblet thereupon, saying, ‘that it might be found in the Code, but could neuer be entred into the Digest.’” “Another said or wrote, ‘that hee would hereafter never count it a reproach to be called Codshead, seeing that fish is now become so learned an heluo librorum,’ which signifieth a man of much reading, or skilfull in many bookes.”