Contents

Data Source: Mmmonk

• Manuscript 223 is the first volume in a two-volume set containing De sacramentis christianae fidei, with Ms. 224 being the second volume. The De sacramentis is the most important work of Hugh of Saint-Victor (d. 1141), an important pre-Thomist scholastic theologian and a prolific writer. It is an epitome of Hugh's thoughts, dealing with a variety of theological subjects. For some reason, the preface, table of contents, and first part of the second part of the work, despite being found in the second volume, are also added. In chapter four, this text suddenly breaks off. Before this work is found (ff. 1r-2v) the papel bull Vineam Domini Sabaoth, issued by pope Innocent III in 1213. The link between both texts are the sacraments: the papal bull urged all ecclesiastical dignitaries to convene at Rome for the Fourth Lateran Council. At this council the importance of the Eucharist, one of the sacraments, was recognized by affirmation of the transubstantiation doctrine. The manuscript dates from the early thirteenth century, and might have been copied in the scriptorium of Saint Donatian in Bruges. The text is presented in two columns per page and lacks decoration. Rubrication is present and initials are added in red or green. The larger initials at the beginning of the preface and the first chapter have been executed more elaborately in blue and red ink. The first and last leaves carry the cross-shaped stamp of Ten Duinen. The manuscript is bound in an early Cistercian binding from the thirteenth century: blindstamped calf over wooden boards, with traces of five metal mounts and two clasps. [Summary by Dr. Mark Vermeer]