The late J.D.H Widdess, Librarian and Professor of Biology, knew more about the College than any other person. His account of the Arms of the College explains how suitable armorial bearings were devised and used from 1784 until 1907 when it was realised that formal authority to use a coat of arms had never been obtained. An application was made immediately to the Ulster King of Arms, the heraldic authority in Ireland, who had his office in Dublin Castle. A grant of arms was given on 20th March 1907 consisting of a shield, crest and supporters. Its official description in the language of heraldry is quite a mouthful: 'Argent on a Saltire gules, a dexter hand apaumée fessewise, couped at the wrist proper, on a Chief ermine harp crowned between two fleams or; for CREST on a wreath of the Colours an Eagle preying on a serpent proper; for SUPPORTERS two Irish elks each gorged with a Chaplet of Shamrock all proper; and for MOTTO Consilio Manuq