Encomion Chalcographiæ, v.v. 245–263.
[77] The division of the plant seems to have been made with judicial fairness. A portion of the original implements or utensils were assigned to Faust, and according to the testimony of J. F. Faust of Aschaffenberg, they remained for a length of time in the possession of the family (see note, p. 167). Bergel, or Bergellanus, who published his Encomion Chalcographiæ in 1541, and was for fifteen years a corrector of the press in a printing establishment at Mentz, states, in the Dedication of his work to the Archbishop Albert of Brandenberg, that “several very old instruments were seen by him at Mentz, which the citizens informed him had been used by Gutenberg in the art;” from which it may be inferred, that they were either preserved among the muniments of the city, or by some of Gutenberg’s family connections.
[78] Also spelt Hombracht, and Hoemborch.
[79] Author of “Speculum Humanæ Salvationis. Le plus ancien Monument de la Xylographie et de la Typographie réunis reproduits en fac-simile, avec Introduction Historique et Bibliographique.” Londres, 1861. fol.
[80] Authorities differ in respect to Gutenberg’s age, the year of his birth not having been precisely ascertained. It is broadly stated by Wetter, that he was born between the years 1393 and 1400. He must therefore have been at least 68 years of age, and he may have been 75, at the time of his death.
[81] Published at Heidelberg in 1499.
[82] History of England, vol. ii. pp. 526–7.
Early Typography.
CHAPTER IV.
The claims of Coster and Haarlem considered, as opposed to those of Gutenberg and Mentz.—Claims based upon tradition.—No contemporary authorities in their favor.—Abundance of such testimony in favor of Gutenberg and Mentz.—Probable origin of tradition.—Block books.—Speculum Humanæ Salvationis.—Evidence of the Types: wood or metal, cut or cast?—Books “jettez en molle.”—Age of the Paper.—Date of Costume.—Fraternity of Brethren and Clerks of the Common Life.