IN PREPARATION. The Précepte d'Assise of the Island of Guernsey: comprising the ancient Norman-French Text, edited with Parallel English Translation, Historical Introduction, Analysis, Glossary and Notes; engravings of Seals, Signatures, &c. By JOHN LINWOOD PITTS. Demy quarto, Limp Cloth. Price, 2s. 6d. THE PRECEPTE D'ASSISE is an ancient and valuable charter of the liberties, immunities, rights and privileges of the Island of Guernsey. It is generally supposed to have been taken by way of Inquisition in the fifth year of EDWARD III before a Commission of Justices Itinerant in the presence of the Royal Court, and to have been subsequently confirmed by two other Royal Commissions. It is a document of the highest importance in connection with the Constitution of Guernsey and corresponds in many ways to the Magna Charta of England. The history of the copy preserved among the Archives of the Island at the Guernsey Greffe (Registrar's) Office, which is the oldest copy known to be in existence, is of a somewhat remarkable character. This document appears to be a copy of a copy, but collated with the original and duly attested. The original instrument with the attestations of the six Notaries bears in the preamble the date 1331. A copy seems to have been made from this and attested in 1441, and this was apparently collated, attested and published_by JOHN DE VAGHAN at the Presbytery of St. Peter of Coutances, in the Island of Guernsey, on the 19th of September, 1482. From this copy our present copy appears to have been made by NICHOLAS REVEL, being faithfully written by his own hand, collated carefully with the original instrument, and signed with his name and paraphe; it was attested by the Royal Court, and the Seal of the Bailiwick was affixed on the 25th of September, 1489. The text of the forthcoming edition will present an entirely new and careful transcript of the Norman-French of this important Constitutional Document specially prepared by the Editor, and also the Latin attestations of the Notaries Public and Tabellions. The deciphering of these Latin clauses was kindly undertaken by WILLIAM W. MARSHALL, Esq., B.A., of the Inner Temple, and formerly Scholar of Hertford College, Oxford, who has had considerable experience in the study of ancient MSS., and these attestations will form one of the most valuable features of the present edition. This portion of the document is unusually full of abbreviations, and moreover is so much frayed and defaced that in many of the most important passages it had hitherto baffled all attempts at restoration. At the cost, however, of much time and labour, Mr. MARSHALL has been able to decipher with great accuracy the whole of these attestations, except in three short and apparently unimportant passages where the parchment is entirely torn away. To the solution of the lacuna we are indebted for the name of JOHN DE VAGHAN and the date and place of the publication of the copy he attested; for the knowledge that the Greffe copy was written by REVEL'S hand, and for other very important details. Mr. MARSHALL has added an Excursus pointing out at length the various steps in the process of restoration, and also offering his thanks to two gentlemen who have assisted in the work, EDGAR MACCULLOCH, Esq., F.S.A., Lieut.-Bailiff of the Island of Guernsey, and F. MADAN, Esq., M.A., of the Bodleian Library, and Fellow of Brasenose College, Oxford. To Mr. MACCULLOCH especially he expresses himself indebted in the highest degree for the valuable aid which he was so well qualified to afford through his intimate acquaintance with local lore and with the antiquities of the Channel Islands. The best thanks of the Editor are also due to JAMES GALLIENNE, Esq., Her Majesty's Greffier, and to Mr. E. M. COHU, Deputy Greffier, for their courtesy in allowing ready access at all times to the documents in their custody, and for other kindnesses. GUERNSEY: GUILLE-ALLÈS LIBRARY. VAL-NORD BANK HOUSE Classical and Mathematical School MR. CHAMBERLAIN, PRINCIPAL. THE HE object Mr. CHAMBERLAIN has in view is to supply a thoroughly liberal Education. The general School Course comprises Biblical History, Ancient History, the History and Literature of our own Country; the Greek, Latin and French Languages; Geometrical, Isometrical, Architectural and Landscape Drawing; Euclid, Algebra and Trigonometry; Navigation, Geography and Mapping; the use of the Globes, both table and high-standing; Land Surveying, Mensuration, Book-keeping, English Grammar, Composition with Précis-writing and Analysis; and such branches of Natural Science as it may be practicable from time to time to introduce into the School teaching. The classification of the School, and the System adopted, secure all the advantages of emulation and honorable rivalry. THE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE DEPARTMENT.-Familiar Lectures are given occasionally during the Winter Months on Electricity, Galvanism, Magnetism, Chemistry, Telegraphy and Printing. ELECTRICITY. Is shown and explained by the use of a large Plate Glass Electrifying Machine, next in size smaller than the one at the Royal Polytechnic, with all the apparatus required. CHEMISTRY.-The Elucidation of Principles and the explanation of Chemical Phenomena are made as clear and concise as possible, by many experiments. MAGNETISM. This is so very instructive a branch of Science that many experiments are well understood by the Pupils, both in the use of the Natural Magnet and the Electro-Magnet. GALVANISM.-There are several Galvanic Batteries in use, so that the Boys accustomed to them can readily apply a particular sort to any experiment. TELEGRAPHY.-Communication is carried on at any distance chosen, or from one part of the house to another. PRINTING. This is likewise thoroughly explained by the use of a Press and all the apparatus attached, including several cases of Type. Mr. CHAMBERLAIN, having full command of the School of Science Department, is enabled, without engaging the services of Professional Men (who generally make a very high charge), to give suitable Lectures without increasing the Fees as contained below. Parents will thus see that the lectures being both amusing and instructive must be conducive to the expansion of the mind, at the same time making an agreeable change in the general School routine. Three Months' notice will be required previous to the Removal of a Pupil. (FORMERLY THE OFFICIAL RESIDENCE OF THE LIEUT.-GOVERNORS OF THE ISLAND). THIS HIS long-established and first-class Family Hotel is famed for its excellent cuisine, its choice wines, and the thorough comfort of all its arrangements. Standing in its own grounds, and situated in the higher and best part of the town, it commands from its windows and lawn, unrivalled views of the entire Channel group, including Alderney on the north, Jersey on the south, Sark, Herm and Jethou immediately opposite, with the distant coasts of France beyond. ROOMS MAY BE SECURED BY LETTER OR TELEGRAM. Five minutes' walk from the Landing Stages. A PORTER FROM THE HOTEL ATTENDS THE ARRIVAL OF ALL STEAMERS. JOHN GARDNER, Proprietor. Manufacturers of Art Furniture UPHOLSTERERS & CARPET WAREHOUSEMEN AND HOUSE AGENTS, VAUVERT STREET & VICTORIA ROAD. C. SMITH & SON, NURSERYMEN AND FLORISTS CALEDONIA Nursery, GUERNSEY. GENERAL NURSERY STOCK. ROSES, CAMELIAS, AZALEAS, FERNS, &c. CAPE BULBS are specialities, and grown extensively for export. PHOTOGRAPHIE PARISIENNE. GRUT. ART-PORTRAITURE IN ALL ITS BRANCHES, Including Cartes-de-Visite Cabinets, Groups, &c. PERMANENT CARBON ENLARGEMENTS. PORTRAITS PAINTED IN OILS. Studio: 2, Victoria Crescent, Victoria Road, GUERNSEY. J. HAWORTH, DISPENSING & FAMILY CHEMIST GRANGE ROAD, GUERNSEY. MANUFACTURER OF THE FINEST EAU DE COLOGNE Sold in Bottles, 6d., 1s., 1s. 3d., 2s. and 2s. 6d. ; in Cases, 3s. and 5s. 6d. each. PRESCRIPTIONS CAREFULLY DISPENSED. THIS old-established and first-class Family Hotel is charmingly situated on the Esplanade, close to the sea, is replete with every modern convenience, and commands magnificent views of the whole of the Channel Islands. TABLE D'HOTE AT 6.30. Splendid Private Billiard-Room for the sole use of Visitors staying in the Hotel. ROOMS MAY BE ENGAGED BY LETTER OR TELEGRAM. A Porter from the Hotel attends all the Steamers. JAMES B. GARDNER, Proprietor. |