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Summa de Virtutibus et Vitiis by William Perault, 13th century

 Item
Identifier: MS 79

Contents

This manuscript contains Summa de Virtutibus et Vitiis by William Perault (c. 1190–1271), a writer and preacher of the Order of the Preachers (Dominican Order). The book is a theological and philosophical summa composed of two treatises: De Virtutibus (On Virtues) and De Vitiis (On Vices). Many treatises on Catholic principles and ethics share this title in the late Middle Ages.

Capitula of Tractatus de moralis virtutibus: start on f.1r with the following words: Praesens opus habet v partes principales. And ends on f. 2v with: de paciencia persecucionem. Expliciunt capitula tractatus virtutum.

Prologue to Tractatus de moralis virtutibus: Stars on f. 2v with the following opening words: Cum circa utilia studere debemus. And ends on f. 3r with: de beatitudinibus.

Tractatus de moralis virtutibus: starts on f. 3r with the following words: Si seperaveris preciosum a vili. And ends on f.195r with: parentes nostri celestem hereditatem. Tractatus virtutum explicit. Benedictus dominus virtutum qui incipitet perfecit. Amen. Amen.

Capitula of Tractatus de moralis virtutibus: on ff.196v-197v there is another index of the chapters of the first treatise added in the 14th century.

Tractatus de Vitiis: [wants 8ff. at the beginning] starts on f. 198r and ends on f. 349r with the following words: sapientie locutum est aliquando penituit tacere vero iniqua.

Writing

The hand is good and very uniform throughout, and there are good blue and red filigree initials. Some of these have unfortunately been cut out, otherwise the book is in good condition. Eight folios are wanting at the beginning of the second treatise according to the 14th century foliation, which makes it difficult to identify. There are marginal notes, and also a Tabula to Part 1, both in 14th century hands.

Dates

  • Creation: 13th century

Creator

Language of Materials

Latin

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open to all. The manuscripts can be consulted in the Centre for Research Collections, Edinburgh University Main Library.

Extent

1 bound MS volume

Custodial History

From its appearance it is difficult to tell whether the manuscript is English or French. There is no other evidence of provenance, and no indication of where the Library obtained it.

Previous reference

D. b. IV. 8.

Previous title

Title given to the manuscript in Catherine Borland’s catalogue: Gulielmi Peraldi O. P. Tractatus Moralis de Virtutibus.Tractatus de Vitus

Physical Facet

Material: Vellum

Binding: Modern. The title 'LIBER DE VIRTUTIBUS ET VITIIS M.S.' is stamped in gold on the outer cover spine upright.

Collation: a12-q12, r4, s12-F12, G9=349.

Dimensions

24.13 cm x 17.15 cm

General

Secundo folio: agi[tur] de hiis

Foliation and number of lines to a page: ff. 349, double columns, 42 lines to a page.

Repository Details

Part of the University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections Repository

Contact:
Centre for Research Collections
University of Edinburgh Main Library
George Square
Edinburgh EH8 9LJ Scotland
+44(0)131 650 8379