QUESTION

THE FIRST.

ON THE NOBILITY AND

STATUS OF THE FREE

republics of the Holy

Roman Empire.

THESIS I.

The most excellent jurisconsult Tiberius Decianus, in response 19, volume 3, writes that he finds only two cities, namely Rome and Constantinople, to be illustrious in law—not, however, because of their own special dignity, but because they are the seat of the Empire. Through the text of law 3, § "but if either one," Code on natural children, and many other foundations. From which he judges it can be manifestly concluded that no city is to be numbered in any degree of dignity.

II.

The Saxon provincial law also supports his foundations: which, in article 3, Landrecht book 1, in the review of the degrees of dignity, makes no mention of cities.

III.

But the contrary opinion has pleased other jurisconsults, who have professed that the free cities of the Empire are illustrious republics. Among whom is also the most excellent practitioner of the Saxon forum, Dr. Hieronymus Schurffius, a Swiss from Saint Gall, in