lectern. But the
statement that the grades are numbered "from the bottom and proceed
upwards" can hardly be reconciled with any arrangement of lecterns.
_Distinctio_ probably denotes a bookcase or press, divided into 7 grades,
and probably placed against the wall, the word _gradus_ here meaning a
flat shelf, instead of one set at an angle as in former instances. If this
explanation be correct we have here a very early instance of shelves in
such a position.

My second example of a monastic library fitted up according to the
stall-system is the library at Clairvaux. As I have already printed a full
description of it[353], I need not do more in this place than translate
the passage referring to the fittings:

This library is 189 feet long, by 51 feet wide[354]. In
it are 48 seats (_bancs_), and in each seat 4 shelves
(_poulpitres_) furnished with books on all subjects, but
chiefly theology.... The building that contains the said
library is magnificent, built of stone, and excellently
well lighted on both sides with five large windows, well
glazed.

As there were so many as 48 bookcases, that is, 24 on each side, the
bookcases were evidently spaced without reference to the lateral windows,
which were probably raised high above the floor.

The catalogue, from which I have already quoted the verses commemorating
the building of the library, contains much useful information respecting
the arrangement of the books. The verses are succeeded by the following
introductory note:

Repertorium omnium librorum in hac Clarevallis
biblioteca existentium a fratre Mathurino de cangeyo
eiusdem loci monacho non sine magno labore editum.

Lege

Pro intelligentia presentis tabule seu Repertorii,
sciendum est quod a parte aquilonari collocantur libri
quorum litere capitales nigre sunt, quorum vero rubre a
parte australi. Et omnes in ea ordine alphabetico
scribuntur.

Utriusque autem partis primum analogium per litteram A
signatur, secundum per litteram B, tercium per litteram
C, quartum per litteram D, quintum per litteram E. Et
consequenter cetera analogia per sequentes litteras
alphabeticas.

Quodlibet autem analogium quatuor habet partes, quarum
prima signatur per litteram A, secunda per B, tercia per
C, quarta per D.

Prime partis primi analogii primus liber signatur per A.
a. 1, secundus per A.