Coins, in place of my studies of whatever kind, and have taken upon my shoulders to defend as much as I am able the disputation about them, first briefly noted down by my dearest Father, later subjected to further refinement by the most esteemed Mr. President and more fully elaborated, especially because the study of numismatics is so highly extolled today; and so that even from this, I may hope for Patrons and Benefactors favorable to me, and from them the necessary means to continue the studies I have begun with God, and to pursue them for His honor. Nor, however, shall we bring forward everything that can be proposed on this matter, for that would demand an entire and huge treatise, but it is my intention to extract and communicate only the more important and general points therefrom, as my ability has allowed; and that our endeavor may result happily, we implore the direction and assistance of the highest Divine Power with devout prayers.

CHAPTER I.

Exhibiting the definition and causes of coins, and dealing primarily with exchangeable or usual coins.

Th. I. Etymology of Coins. 2. Homonymy. 3. Synonymy. 4. Definition and division. 5. Principal efficient cause. 6. Origin of coins. Was it before the flood? 7. On the times after the flood. 8. Successive introduction of coins. 9. On the Right of coinage. 10. Concession and communicability of this Right. 11. Less principal efficient causes. 12. Ordinary material of coins. 13. Other (extraordinary) material of coins. 14. On the essential form of coins. 15. And the accidental form. 16. On the making, preservation, alteration, amendment, etc., of coins. 17. The first end of coins, easier exchange. (18. Whence the use of coins is also established.) 19. The later end, the preservation of the memory of things.