This quaestio disputata by the Augustinian Johannes of Paltz (around 1445-1511) is a perfect illustration of the working methods of medieval scholasticism. The manuscript was written in Erfurt in the summer of 1486 and has as its topic the refutation of three errors. The first regards those who claim “to be able to calculate and foresee the Last Judgment.” It seems that this document is the only handwritten version of this text, which is known through two printed editions from the 15th century. Franz Xaver Karker (1812-1892), Canon of the Cathedral of Breslau (today Wroclaw in Poland), donated this work to the Fribourg library. (jur)

Online Since: 04/09/2014

This small but extensive (198 ff.) prayer book is written in a variant of North German (Middle Low German). In accordance with the female form in many of the prayers, it was intended for a woman. With the exception of one full-page miniature depicting Christ as the gardener before Mary Magdalene (Noli me tangere), all illuminations have been removed. An ex-libris on the front pastedown informs us that this small manuscript was a gift to the Fribourg Library in 1891 from Franz Xaver Karker, canon of Wroclaw Cathedral. (ber)

Online Since: 10/08/2020

This elegant codex, written in humanistic script, was commissioned by Pope Leo X († 1521). The Medici coat of arms can be found in the middle of the original binding's cover, in a rich frieze on the frontispiece, and in the initials on f. 3v and f. 134v. The decoration is attributed to the famous Florentine illuminator Attavante degli Attavanti († 1525) or his circle. This codex is from the collection of Major J.R. Abbey. (ber)

Online Since: 03/22/2017

Fragment from a Glagolitic breviary with texts for August 13th and 14th; based on the script, it can be dated to the 15th century. It belonged to Franz Miklosich (1813-1891), one of the most important Slavicists of his time, and was a gift to the Basel Antiques Collection, the precursor of the Basel Historical Museum. (gam/flr)

Online Since: 06/25/2015

In addition to Greek and Latin Psalms, written somewhere in continental Europe by Irish monks during the Carolingian period, this famous Basel codex also contains a brief series of devotions in Latin for private use, appended by the monks. The exact place where the manuscript was written and its various subsequent travels are unknown, although, based on one note, whose interpretation is under debate, some relation to the Abbey of St. Gall and/or to that of Bobbio is frequently mentioned. In about 1628-1630 the manuscript was listed in the catalog of the Amerbach family, then around 1672-1676 in that of Johannes Zwinger. (and)

Online Since: 03/22/2012

This composite manuscript, comprising originally separate parts from the holdings of St. Leonhard Monastery in Basel, contains, among others, texts by Hugh of Saint Victor and Thomas à Kempis. Among the volume's shorter pieces are two German texts (“Fünf Mittel gegen die Ungeduld” and “Zwölf Zeichen der Minne”), as well as three small glossaries: one Hebrew-Latin, one Greek-Latin and one Latin-German. The intact thorn-clasp on the coeval binding is also noteworthy. (mue)

Online Since: 12/14/2018

This manuscript, written mostly in German, consists of various parts, all of which probably date from the same time, the end of the 15th century to the beginning of the 16th century. This codex belonged to the library of the lay brothers of the Carthusian monastery in Basel and may have been written, at least in part, in this same monastery. Among the texts in this devotional book are the exemplum of the pious [female] miller, the “Guten-Morgen-Exempel” often attributed to Meister Eckhart, a recounting of the history of the Carthusian order, as well as various sermons, prayers, sayings and exempla. (stu)

Online Since: 12/14/2017

This small-format parchment volume from the Carthusian Monastery of Basel is composed of three originally separate fascicles. The first is decorated with three initials (1r, 53r, 58r) and contains the Stimulus dilectionis by Eckbert of Schönau along with prayers, Penitential Psalms and a Litany of the Saints. This is followed by the fragment of a prayer book, which is missing the beginning as well as the end. The third part contains a compilation from Bonaventure's Soliloquium and Hugh of St. Victor's De vanitate mundi. The heavy soiling of pp. 24-53 (Agenda defunctorum and Penitential Psalms) should be noted; it indicates intensive use of this part of the codex. (mue)

Online Since: 10/04/2018

Bifolium from a manuscript of Ambrose's Hexameron from the Upper Rhine area/Switzerland, later used as a book binding material. Provenance and acquisition of the fragment are unknown. (mit)

Online Since: 07/02/2020

Three bifolia from a manuscript of Ambrose's Hexameron, namely the beginning of Bern, Burgerbibiliothek, Cod. 585. This fragment came to Bern in 1632 as part of the bequest of Jacques Bongars. (mit)

Online Since: 07/12/2021

This early 14th century manuscript was copied in Italy; it brings together Ovid's Ars amatoria (The Art of Love), two books of Priscian's grammar, excerpts from the Secretum secretorum, an incomplete book on physiognomy by an unknown author, as well as a series of hymns attributed to, among others, Gregory the Great, St. Ambrose or Sedulius. The manuscript, which is missing two leaves at the beginning, shows old signs of use, with commentaries and maniculae added in the margins. This copy has no decoration with the exception of several red and mauve pen-flourish initials, highlighted in gold and framed. (rou)

Online Since: 10/04/2018

This copy of the Lives of the Saints, produced during the 12th century, possibly in the German Cloister of Weissenau, is decorated with ornately detailed and illustrated initial capitals, including one notable initial in which the illuminator, "Fr. Ruffilus" includes himself (fol. 244r). (fmb)

Online Since: 05/20/2009

This manuscript contains the Expositio Evangelii secundum Lucam of Ambrosius of Milan. It was produced in Engelberg as a commission for Abbot Frowin (1143-1178), a fact indicated by the dedicatory verse on 1. It also contains three illuminated initials with the motive of tendrils generally used during Frowin's tenure. (ber)

Online Since: 12/19/2011

This manuscript contains the Venerable Bede's Expositio of the Gospel of Mark (pp. 2-341) and a Tractatus de cruce domini (pp. 341-351) here attributed to Ambrose, but actually by John Chrysostom. According to A. Bruckner, the manuscript originated in the Rhaetian area; however, Hartmut Hoffmann assumes as origin St.-Germain-des-Prés. The ex libris on p. 3 attests to the manuscript's presence at Einsiedeln since the 17th century. (ber)

Online Since: 04/09/2014

This codex contains Saint Ambrose's Hexaemeron. A two-line poem on 1r by Abbot Frowin of Engelberg (1143-1178) dedicates this volume (with its title) to the monastery's patron saint Mary, mother of God. Beneath the dedication, the same hand has written a six-line poem, which likewise makes reference to the contents. A small decorative initial in blue, green, and red ink, as is typical of the library of Frowin, introduces the first book. The remaining books are divided with more simple, red initials. The text and marginal notes, in a dark-brown (and in a few places light brown) ink come from the same hand, a hand with a strikingly clean and balanced appearance. (grd)

Online Since: 10/04/2011

The manuscript contains Ambrose's treatise De officiis. A list of chapters (1r-3r, 65v-67r, 103v-104v) precedes each of the three books. The first two books are introduced by an artistic tendrilated initial on a dark-brown (3v) or red (67r) background. Rubricated lines and initials divide the rest of the text. The dedicatory poem on 1r, in capitals filling two lines attests that the text is an offering of Abbot Frowin of Engelberg (1143-1178) to the monastery's patron saint Mary. (grd)

Online Since: 10/04/2011

This composite manuscript, much used by Friedrich von Amber, contains material about the history of the religious order in the first part (f. 1r-100v). In the second, probably more important part (f. 109r-165v), it contains treatises, questions and polemics from the time of the conflict of Pope John XXII with Louis IV (called the Bavarian) who resided in Munich and with the Franciscan Spirituals who had fled to that city. Several of these writings are preserved only in this manuscript, among them a treatise on the Visio beatifica of 1332-1333 (f. 127v-153r) which, according to Annelise Maier can possibly be attributed to William of Ockham, as well as a polemic (f. 153r-160r) in which Louis IV is warned against too hastily making peace with the Pope in Avignon. (flu)

Online Since: 09/23/2014

This volume, which was produced in Italy in the mid to late 15th century, is a collection of letters, bringing together letters by Phalaris, Diogenes of Sinope and Brutus, who were regarded in the middle ages as the true authors of these letters. They were translated into Latin by Francesco Griffolini Aretino and Ranuccio of Arezzo. A decorative illustration in bianchi girari (entwined white vine style) is found at the beginning of the section by each author. Two fragments of De officiis ministrorum by St. Ambrose are found at the end of the volume. (jeg)

Online Since: 04/15/2010

The very worn and soiled pages 1r and 88v suggest that this single-column, mostly undecorated copy of Augustine's Enchiridion, produced in Tours in the 9th century, was for a long time used unbound. It probably received its first binding in the 12th century in Schaffhausen; at that time, the missing final part of the text was added on a double leaf (89-90) at the end. This is the only known manuscript from Tours in the library of Allerheiligen Abbey; it is listed in the abbey's register of books from about 1100 (Min. 17, f. 306v). The Romanesque binding has been largely preserved; only the flyleaves and pastedowns were replaced in the 19th century and, as with Min. 32‬‬, the spine was covered with parchment. (spe)

Online Since: 06/25/2015

As attested by the Allerheiligen Abbey register of books from about 1100 (Min. 17, f. 306v), the two parts that constitute this manuscript were united in the 11th century already. While the first part (Ambrosius, De excessu fratrum) is undecorated, the second part, containing five texts by Augustine, begins with an opening page which is at the same time a table of contents. In the 15th century this codex, like many others, received a new leather binding with metal bosses and two clasps. As with Min. 20‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ and Min. 24‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬, fragments from a 14th century necrology of All Saints Abbey were used as flyleaves. (spe)

Online Since: 06/23/2016

This manuscript in two columns contains a copy of the first eight books of the Old Testament (Pentateuch, Joshua, Judges, Ruth) that was transcribed at the monastery of St. Gall in the 12th century. At the beginning (p. 1) and at the end (p. 254), there are, in addition to occasional pen trials and additional notes in Latin and in German, copies of two hymns with neumes (Veni redemptor gentium by Ambrose and Jesu redemptor omnium). (smu)

Online Since: 06/23/2016

Collection of liturgical works, containing texts from the 9th to 12th centuries and an illustration of Pacificus of Verona's star clock. (smu)

Online Since: 12/31/2005

A not particularly good quality copy of three letters by Ambrose, three chapters from the work De fide contra Arianos by Faustinus, the report (Relatio) by the Roman Prefect Symmachus (about 342-402/403) about the conflict over the altar of Victoria, and the oration of Augustine against the Arians (Contra sermonem Arrianorum)  preceded by the oration of the Arians (Sermo Arrianorum). This Codex was produced in the 9th century in the Cloister of St. Gall. (smu)

Online Since: 12/09/2008

A superior quality St. Gallen copy of the work De fide ad Gratianum contra perfidiam Arrianorum from the 9th century, from the original by the early church Father Ambrose (about 339 - 397). The 9th century Carolingian binding remains intact. (smu)

Online Since: 12/09/2008

Copy of an exegesis of the Gospel of Luke (Homilies on the Gospel of Luke) by the church father Ambrose, produced at the Abbey of St. Gall in the 10th century. Includes numerous glosses by the hand of the monk Ekkehart IV. (d. about 1060). Also includes the Latin work in verse Nectaris Ambrosii redolentia carpito mella (Grasp the fragrant honey of ambrosian nectar), mentioned by Ekkehart IV. in his Casus sancti Galli, the history of the Abbey of St. Gall. (smu)

Online Since: 07/31/2009

A summary presentation of Christian ethics by the early church father Ambrose (about 339 - 397), De officiis ministrorum. This copy is from around 900, probably not produced in the monastery of St. Gall. A short Psalter, a litany, and prayers precede the work by Ambrose. (smu)

Online Since: 12/09/2008

A collection of the dogmatic works De spiritu sancto libri tres ad Gratianum and Libri tres de incarnatione contra Apollinaristes, both originally written by the early church father Ambrose († 397) together with De laude sanctorum by Bishop Victricius of Rouen († before 409). A northern French copy from the middle of the 9th century, probably not produced at the monastery of St. Gall, but rather in the area of Metz. The manuscript opens with six dedicatory verses by the priest Regimarus to King Ludwig the German (833-876) in Latin hexameter. (smu)

Online Since: 12/09/2008

A copy of the exegesis of the Gospel of Luke by Ambrosius, set down by several St. Gall monks in the 9th century. (smu)

Online Since: 07/31/2009

A copy of the so-called "Ambrosiaster", a commentary on the Epistles of Paul, for a long time erroneously attributed to the Church father Ambrose (about 339-397), produced in the abbey of St. Gall at the beginning of the 9th century. The actual author of the Ambrosiaster is unknown. (smu)

Online Since: 12/09/2008

A well-crafted copy of the works De spiritu sancto and De incarnationis dominicae sacramento by the church father Ambrose and of the work De laude sanctorum by Bishop Victricius of Rouen, produced in the Cloister of St. Gall in the second half of the 9th century. Augmented with a number of glosses by the monk Ekkehart IV during the first half of the 11th century. (smu)

Online Since: 12/09/2008

A 9th century St. Gall copy of the Collectanea rerum memorabilium, which was very popular during the middle ages, by the Roman author Gaius Iulius Solinus. It is a compilation of oddities and curiosities, derived mainly from the natural histories of Pliny and the geographical descriptions of Pomponius Mela. In addition, this codex contains works by Prosper of Aquitaine and the sermon entitled De bono mortis by the church father Ambrose. (smu)

Online Since: 12/23/2008

School manuscript from the monastery of St. Gall. A collection of works: diverse (often glossed) early medieval educational texts from the 8th to the 11th century (Aldhelm of Malmesbury, Aenigmata, Sedulius, Carmen paschale) and – preserved only here – the Stephanus hymn by Notker Balbulus and a musical treatise in Old High German by Notker the German. (smu)

Online Since: 12/12/2006

Copy of the commentary on the Apocalypse by a certain Berengaudus or Bellengarius, written by numerous different hands. Probably the author is Berengaudus, a monk at Ferrières Abbey, who studied in Auxerre around 890 and who is mentioned in a letter by Lupus von Ferrières, but about whom nothing more is known. The small-format manuscript is written in 33 to 64 lines per page. (sno)

Online Since: 03/22/2018

Lectionary from the Abbey of St. Gall with numerous sermons on various Gospel selections by the church fathers, produced by a number of different hands in the 10th century in St. Gall. This little studied volume also contains benedictions and oratory prayers. Appended at the back (in small script in two columns) is a Psalter. The manuscript has become extremely soiled with intensive use; it features assorted addenda and supplements from the 11th and 12th centuries. (smu)

Online Since: 12/21/2009

Lectionary for the period from Christmas through the second Sunday of Lent, with 32 homilies (Predigten) for Sundays and feastdays, written mostly by the church fathers (Ambrosius, Augustine, the Venerable Bede, Fulgentius and Leo the Great, among others), most likely produced at the Abbey of St. Gall in the 10th or early 11th century. The name of one scribe, Egilolfus, added later, can be found on page 85 of the manuscript. The front pages of the manuscript are in exceedingly poor condition, having suffered water damage. The text breaks off on page 177, in the course of a tract by Leo the Great. (smu)

Online Since: 12/21/2009

This manuscript, written by several hands, contains a total of 66 sermons, most of them by Bede and Gregory the Great, a few by Augustine and Jerome, and occasionally ones by Ambrose, Fulgentius, John Chrysostom, Maximus, Origen and by unknown authors. Some homilies are reproduced in their entirety, others in excerpts. Four strips of the Edictum Rothari were removed from the binding; today they are held in the Abbey Library of Saint Gall with the shelfmark Cod. Sang. 730. Imprints of these fragments are visible on the inside cover. (nie)

Online Since: 12/14/2018

105 sermons from the first Sunday in Advent (end of November / beginning of December) to Annunciation Day (March 25). (smu)

Online Since: 06/12/2006

A collection of lives of ancient Roman saints (among them Sebastian, Agnes and Emerentia, Agatha, Lucia, Blandina) as well as a copy of the Vita of Saint Vedastus, Bishop of Arras, by Alcuin of York. The manuscript contains the sermon De ieiunio (On fasting) by St. Ambrose. The codex was written in about 900, most likely at the Abbey of St. Gall. (smu)

Online Since: 12/21/2009

Contains, among other items, the most reliable texts of the vitae of saints Richarius, Dionysius, Gregory the Great, Leodegarius, Vedastus, Nazarius, Mark the Evangelist, Kosmas and Damian. (smu)

Online Since: 12/31/2005

Composite manuscript of juridical and theological content from the 10th century, probably from the Abbey of St. Gall. The codex contains, in addition to many other texts, the capitulary of bishop Hatto of Basel and bishop Theodulf of Orléan, the Poenitentiale of one Pseudo-Egbert, the provisions of the Council of Nicea (325), works by Alcuin, including his tract De virtutibus et vitiis as well as a copy of the Admonitio Generalis of Charlemagne from 789. (smu)

Online Since: 07/31/2009

Five codicological units make up this paper manuscript; the text was written by one or more hands in the fifteenth century. The longest texts in the manuscript are the Tractatus de vitiis capitalibus, which is probably to be ascribed to Robert Holcot, the Dialogus rationis et conscientiae of Matthew of Krakow, and the Dialogus de celebratione missae by Henry of Hessia the Younger. The remaining texts are shorter, including sermons, spiritual instructions, and astrological and medical treatises. In addition, there are added numerous documents related to the Council of Constance (1414—1418) that deal with the condemnation of John Hus and with the question of Communion under both kinds. (len)

Online Since: 09/22/2022

The manuscript begins with the important summa of confession by the Dominican Raymond of Peñafort († 1275), the Summa de poenitentia together with its fourth book, finished in 1235 with the title Summa de matrimonio. According to the colophon on p. 246b, Johannes Meyer von Diessenhofen copied the text from 26 August to 8 November 1395. Immediately, or shortly, thereafter, the same hand copied two confessors' manuals of the Dominican John of Fribourg († 1304) along with a few small additions. The Libellus quaestionum casualium concerns cases that are not treated or only summarily discussed in Raymond of Peñafort's Summa de poenitentia. The concise Confessionale was tailored to the practical needs of confessors. (len)

Online Since: 09/22/2022