British Library Additional Manuscript 8537 as a Source for Florentine/Pisan University History

Abstract

British Library Additional Manuscript 8537 contains a selection of statutes related to the university of Florence and Pisa from the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries. The manuscript was originally produced to specifically document rulings between the institution and Florentine government, suggesting it may have been a personal vademecum of a Florentine official. Over time, it evolved into a referencing guide for other university and government administrators, as exemplified by updates to its contents and the inclusion of finding aids. There are also statutes included that have not been detailed elsewhere, including Armando Verde’s collection of documents related to the Florentine Studio. Through closer examination of its contents and context, the manuscript reveals itself to be an untapped resource for not only Italian university history, but also university archival practice. The present article sheds light on the treasures of Add. MS. 8537, facilitating its introduction into the broader history of the Studium.