Third edition, revised and enlarged, of a rare practical handbook for practicing notaries, written by Simon van Leeuwen (1626-1682), the most famous Dutch lawyer of the 17th century after Hugo de Groot (Grotius). It incorporates a dictionary of more than 4000 technical terms, many borrowed or adapted from Latin, giving simple definitions in common Dutch. Unlike the second edition, the present third edition explicitly notes that it has been newly revised, improved and expanded. It teaches all theoretical and practical knowledge needed in a notary's office, presented in the form of questions and answers, like a catechism, but sometimes also citing sources. Van Leeuwen's approach is refreshingly anti-bureaucratic.
From the library of Eeltjo van Beresteyn (1876-1948). With a 1770 owner's inscription, some underlining and an occasional pencilled note. With a small chip in the frontispiece, a few pages with minor smudges or marginal defects, but still in good condition. Binding somewhat soiled and back board wrinkled, no endleaves. Rare practical handbook, essential for historical research in any field. Pitlo, Notarisboeken, p. 330 & pp. 62-71; STCN (1 incomplete copy); WorldCat (2 copies).