BOOK ONE

1597.

Fort admired his erudition and warmly welcomed his modesty combined with an eagerness for learning. He could hide nothing from him. Indeed, he showed him various treasures original: "cimelia," referring to rare or precious items in a collection on different days. He then brought out books to support his own conjectures and explanations. He did not hesitate to both accept and praise Peiresc’s unique interpretations.

1598.

After the year 1598 had passed, he returned again to Avignon. There, he had a private tutor named Pierre David, a Burgundian, who was later the chief Vice-Seneschal of Semur. This man was also favorable to the sweeter Muses a reference to the liberal arts and classical literature in addition to his skill in the Law. For this reason, he easily allowed Peiresc to interpose the investigation of ancient things within his study of law.

Because of this, Peiresc frequently corresponded with Bagarris Pierre-Antoine de Rascas, Sieur de Bagarris, a pioneer in the study of ancient coins about coinage and other select matters. He occasionally wrote to him about every remarkable thing observed in the collection of a certain Romeus of Arles. Among other things, he sent a cast original: "ectypum," a molded copy of a gem or coin obtained for him from an elegant jasper depicting Deianira being carried off by Nessus a scene from Greek mythology where a centaur abducts the wife of Hercules.

Sometimes he also sent excellent coins of Nero and Vitellius Roman Emperors of the first century AD which he had recovered to his uncle. He entreated his uncle to see that they were as well-adorned as the coins of Hercules and Agrippina Agrippina the Younger, mother of Nero he already possessed. He also requested that his uncle send him a certain ring. He hoped to exchange it for a carnelian or onyx gem. Peiresc said this gem was of the most excellent and incomparable craftsmanship, though its owner did not know its true value. I mention these things out of many examples so that one might better know his character regarding these interests even from that time. Moreover, the person who most greatly fostered his curious nature was Peter Anthony Ghiberti of Naples.

A circular library stamp is located at the bottom right corner. It is partially illegible and contains a crest or emblem.