Legal Definitions - libellus rerum

The term libellus rerum, originating from Latin, historically refers to a detailed list or catalog of items, essentially an inventory. It was used to document various possessions, assets, or contents for administrative, legal, or organizational purposes.

• Example 1: Medieval Manor Estate

  Imagine a steward managing a large medieval manor. After the harvest, the steward would compile a comprehensive list detailing all the grain stored in the granaries, the number of livestock (cattle, sheep, pigs), agricultural tools, and even household furnishings within the manor house. This meticulous record served as a libellus rerum.

  This example illustrates libellus rerum because it is a systematic inventory of all the movable property and resources belonging to the estate, crucial for accounting, taxation, and ensuring the manor's continued operation.

• Example 2: Merchant Ship's Cargo

  Consider a merchant captain preparing for a long sea voyage in the 16th century. Before setting sail, a clerk would create a document listing every item loaded onto the ship: barrels of wine, bolts of cloth, crates of spices, and sacks of grain, along with their quantities and intended destinations. This manifest was a form of libellus rerum.

  This demonstrates libellus rerum as it represents a complete inventory of the valuable cargo being transported. Such a list was vital for customs declarations, insurance purposes, and resolving disputes if goods were lost or damaged during the journey.

• Example 3: Monastery Library Catalog

  In a medieval monastery, where scribes painstakingly copied and preserved texts, the head librarian would periodically create a catalog of all the books and manuscripts held within the scriptorium and library. This list would detail each volume, its author, subject matter, and sometimes its condition or location. This catalog functioned as a libellus rerum.

  This example highlights libellus rerum by showing an inventory of intellectual assets. Such a catalog was essential for managing the monastery's collection, facilitating scholarly research, and ensuring the preservation of valuable knowledge for future generations.