2. A generation preceding the date of these statutes a large part of the
university, dissatisfied with its treatment at Padua, migrated to
Vercelli, more than one hundred and fifty miles away. The contract (1228
A.D.) between the rectors of the university and the proctors
representing the town contains numerous privileges, among which are the
following:

Likewise the aforesaid proctors have promised in the name of the
town of Vercelli that the town will loan to the scholars, and to
the university of scholars, the sum of ten thousand pounds, papal
money, at the rate of two pence for two years, and thereafter
three pence for six years [under proper security. The customary
rate seems to have been four pence.] ... Likewise, when a scholar
shall have paid the money loaned to him, the town of Vercelli
will retain that amount in the common treasury as principal, and
from it will help some other needy scholar under the same
agreement and similar conditions. ... Likewise, the town of
Vercelli will not allow provisions within the town limits to be
withdrawn from their markets [in order to raise the price?] but
will cause them to be delivered in the city in good faith, and
will cause them to be put on sale twice a week.... [Also one
thousand bushels of grain shall be put in the city granary and
sold to scholars at cost in time of need.] ... Likewise the town
of Vercelli shall provide salaries [for professors] which shall
be deemed competent by two scholars and two townsmen, and if they
disagree the Bishop shall decide the matter ... and said salaries
shall be for one Theologian, three Masters of Laws, two
Decretists, two Decretalists, two teachers of Natural Philosophy,
two Logicians, and two Grammarians. [These professors shall be