PREFACE
In the preparation of a teaching manual and desk book on the mechanisms involved in the development of the Roman law three elements have been deemed essential by the author. First, the substance of the volume comprises a selection of primary texts, in English translation.
Second, a commentary presents the views of scholars, often conflicting, on the interpretation of these and related texts. Third, bibliographical references to the most recent discussion of the topics dealt with in these texts affords the reader the opportunity to pursue further study. Graduate students and scholars have aided in the assembling of a wide range of the primary materialsand in the abstracting of the mass of secondary literature, and I thank them for their help. Special note should be made of the gracious assistance given by the late Professor Adolf Berger and, in earlier years, by Mr. C. V. Abeles, by the present Professor of Ancient History at Cambridge University, Professor M. I. Finley, and by his wife, Mary Finley.The author is perhaps even more indebted to the scores of scholars from whose works the ideas have been derived which are set forth in the commentary to the texts. It is sincerely hoped that the views of those concerned have been accurately presented.
The preparation and publication of the volume has extended over a number of years, so that necessarily a presentation of the most recent points of view on many subjects is absent from the commentary. However, it is believed that the bibliographical references will direct the reader to the recent discussions of the topics dealt with.
The author wishes to express his thanks to the Council of Research in the Social Sciences of Columbia University for the grant of funds to assist in the preparation as well as in the publication of the volume. He further sincerely appreciates the generosity of the Rockefeller Foundation in affording the opportunity of preparing a draft of the early chapters of the book at the Villa Bellagio in the spring of 1970.
I am especially grateful for the sacrifices made by my wife, who freely gave up summer travel over a number of years so that I might engage in the writing of the work.
This volume marks the culmination of years of teaching at Columbia University School of Law, and in the last analysis, it is due to the opportunity afforded me by the Deans and Faculty of that institution to specialize in the field of Roman taw and to devote the greater portion of my teaching and research to that field. I offer this volume in appreciation to Deans Young
B. Smith, William C. Warren and Michael I. Sovern, and to the members of the Faculty, past and present, in the years 1928 to 1971.
A. Arthur Schiller
Columbia University New York City
January 23, 1977
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