The Life of Nicolas-Claude Fabri de Peiresc

ON THE LIFE OF PEIRESC

1597. ...ted him to have a handbook of the Law Titles original: "Rubricarum Enchiridium". These were the titled headings of Roman law codes. in his hands early on. However, Peiresc sought a pretext to delay his legal studies for a short while longer. He told his uncle: "You had wished, uncle, that I should devote diligent effort to the art of oratory. If you permit it, I will do so, since I can do it quite conveniently here. I will be initiated into the wisdom of the Law once I have departed from this city. Nevertheless, you prescribe what needs to be done; if you persist, it is not right for me to do anything except carry out your orders."

Consequently, he was called back home and enrolled in Jurisprudence the theory and philosophy of law under François Fort of Anjou. Fort was an advocate in the Court of Aix and highly skilled in teaching law. He was also, as much as anyone, well-versed in more elegant literature. This man was dear to Peiresc’s parents and began to lecture on the Institutes the Institutiones, an introductory textbook of Roman law compiled under Emperor Justinian with great care.

Peiresc used this study as an opportunity to ensure his previous education was not interrupted. On his own initiative, he began to compile a chronological series of the Emperors who had enacted the laws. He also compiled a series of Consuls and other magistrates. He sought out numismata ancient coins and medals from every possible source so that he might recognize these lawgivers by both their faces and their deeds. He also made sure to obtain portraits of the more famous legal consultants. He believed that when he encountered their legal opinions and interpretations, his memory would be more lasting if he had a mental image of each man’s face.

Furthermore, there was at that time in Aix-en-Provence original: "Aquis-Sextiis" a man named Pierre Antoine Rascas de Bagarris, who was highly skilled in the study of antiquities. Later, King Henry the Great summoned Bagarris because of his fame and put him in charge of his cimeliarchio a cabinet of curiosities or a treasury for gems and rare medals. Peiresc spent his spare hours frequently in the company of Bagarris to ask questions and be instructed. For his part, Bagarris [marveled at] Peiresc's keenness...