Claim: The copyright of the Encyclopaedia passed into the hands of Adam Black, a Scottish publisher and politician who was recognized as one of the principal booksellers in his city, and a few friends in 1827.
Evidence: Adam Black FRSE (20 February 1784 – 24 January 1874) was a Scottish publisher and politician. By 1826 he was recognised as one of the principal booksellers in the city; and a few years later he was joined in business by his nephew Charles. The copyright of the Encyclopaedia passed into the hands of Adam Black and a few friends in 1827.