Note 405 — Chapter X · THOMAS AND JOHN JAMES, 1710.

Rabbi Joseph Athias, son of Tobias Athias, who printed a Spanish Bible for the use of the Jews, was a printer, publisher and typefounder in Amsterdam. He succeeded to the Elzevir foundry as improved and added to by Van Dijk. In 1662–3 he issued an edition of the Old Testament printed in Hebrew type, specially cut by Van Dijk, for the accuracy and beauty of which he received great renown; and in 1667, when a new edition of the Bible was published, the Government of the United Provinces signified their satisfaction by presenting him with a gold medal and a massive gold chain. He is said to have printed a great number of English Bibles. Van Dijk, whose models were so warmly applauded by Moxon, was a letter-cutter only, and worked for various foundries. His founder was John Bus, who cast in Athias’ house, as the title of the following specimen-sheet, issued about 1700, indicates:—Proeven van Letteren die gesneden zijn door Wylen Christoffel van Dijck, welke gegoten werden by Jan Bus, ten huyse van Sr. Joseph Athias woonst in de Swanenburg Street, tot Amsterdam. Demy broadside (showing five Titlings, sixteen Roman and Italic, eight Black and two Music). After passing through several hands, Athias’ foundry was purchased by John Enschedé of Haerlem in 1767, in whose family it still remains.