PRIVILEGE original Latin: "PRIVILEGIVM"

A large ornamental woodcut initial 'W' featuring interlaced foliate patterns and scrolls against a hatched background, set within a double-line border.

We, Maximilian the Second, by the grace of God, Elected Roman Emperor, at all times Increaser of the Empire This title, "mehrer des Reichs," is a translation of the Latin "semper Augustus," a standard title for the Holy Roman Emperor, in Germany, of Hungary, Bohemia, Dalmatia, Croatia, and Slavonia, etc. King; Archduke of Austria; Duke of Burgundy, Styria, Carinthia, Carniola, and Württemberg, etc.; Count of Tyrol, etc.; publicly acknowledge with this letter and make known to everyone: that the honorable and learned Michael Toxites, teacher of medicine Medicina: the art and science of healing, our and the Empire’s dear and faithful subject, has humbly approached us and made it known: how he has for some time now compiled and composed several books in philosophy Philosophia: the study of fundamental nature, knowledge, and reality and medicine with particular great diligence, toil, and labor, as well as heavy expense; and he hopes daily to compile and compose even more of them, which he intends to allow to be released publicly in print for the benefit, good, and welfare of all. At the same time, however, he has the concern that perhaps others might undertake to reprint these same books of his, and thus he would not only be denied compensation for his spent costs, diligence, toil, and labor—as would be fair—but it might also result in significant disadvantage and harm to him. And for that reason, he has humbly called upon and petitioned us that we would graciously deign to provide for him in this matter with Imperial grace and Freedom: in this context, a 'Freyheit' refers to a legal monopoly or copyright privilege granted by the sovereign. Therefore, we have considered such humble prayer, as well as the particular skill and experience for which he is praised to us; and for that reason, with well-considered mind, good counsel, and certain knowledge, we have granted this special grace and given freedom to the aforementioned Doctor Michael Toxites. We do this and grant it to him also herewith by Roman Imperial Power knowingly, by virtue of this letter, in this manner: that for ten years following the next edition original: "Aedition" of each book, no book printer or anyone else, whoever they may be, shall or may in any way reprint the books which the said Michael Toxites shall release in print in philosophy and medicine, without his permission and consent; nor shall they transport, carry about, or sell such reprinted copies. And we command thereupon all and every one of our and the Empire’s subjects and faithful—as well as those of our Kingdoms, hereditary Principalities, and Lands—of whatever dignity, standing, or essence they may be, and especially all book printers, book distributors, and book sellers, wherever and in which cities and places they are settled and resident in the Holy Empire and in our said Kingdoms, hereditary Principalities, and Lands, collectively and each one in particular, earnestly with this letter: and it is our will that you let the said Michael Toxites remain peacefully in possession of this Imperial Grace and Freedom, and that you do him no grievance, entry, or hindrance therein, neither with reprinting nor in any other way. This is as dear to all of you and each one as it is to avoid our and the Empire’s heavy displeasure and punishment, and in addition a penalty: namely, ten marks of refined gold A significant financial penalty intended to deter "pirate" printers, which everyone who willfully acts against this shall be liable to pay, half to us and our and the Empire’s Treasury, and the other half to the aforementioned Michael Toxites without fail. In addition, he has full power to seize into his own hands—without hindrance from anyone—the reprinted books, wherever and in whatever places he or his authorized messengers and commanders can find them throughout the Holy Empire and also our Kingdoms, hereditary Principalities, and Lands, and to deal and proceed with them as he pleases, and he shall have committed no outrage or forfeit therein. However, from each such newly printed book...