Book of the Carthusian brothers of our Royal house of Saint Laudius: given by the deputies of Saint George, priest: from the valley of ...

In the name of the Lord, amen. Here begins the table composed by the Lord Albertus de Ferrariis, doctor of both laws that is, canon and civil law from Piacenza, regarding the pamphlet written below concerning the canonical hours in the manner which follows, etc.

It is asked what the canonical hours are and from what source this obligation arises, so that a cleric who is in holy orders or is a beneficiary is bound to those hours. See the question that begins: "I ask first what, etc."

It is asked whence the hours are so named. And why do we sometimes call them canonical, sometimes divine, and sometimes vigils? See the question that begins: "I ask whence the canonical hours are so named."

It is asked what is the total number of these canonical hours and upon what that number of canonical hours is founded, and many examples by which it is proven that those hours were instituted in that number. See the question that begins: "I ask what is the number, etc."

It is asked what is found in this septenary number, and why we call the morning hour "matins," and why we call the first hour "prime," and so of the other hours. See the question that begins: "I ask why these hours are instituted."

I ask why a specific hour is called appropriate for reading these hours, and whether a cleric must perform his office at the proper hour without a bell or other signal being rung. See the question that begins: "I ask what hour is called appropriate."

It is asked who is bound to these hours, and whether this is by precept and why they are founded by the laity and assigned to them, and whether a beneficiary cleric ought and is bound to them by the statute of the church alone or also by the debt of justice, and for what cause. See the question that begins: "I ask who is bound to these hours."

I ask whether an archbishop or bishop can grant a dispensation to a cleric who is in minor orders and holds a benefice so that he is not bound to read the hours. And if a profession, promise, oath, or other obligation concerns God Himself, can it be remitted by a man, and from what cause does that obligation arise?

Hain 599 (Strassburg, Flach)