Tabelliones scribunt de foris. Captions and their functions in Italian notarial records (XIIth-XVth century)

The aim of this paper is to study the structure, functions, and meanings of paratextual elements in Italian notarial registers. These “captions”-marginalia, notes, signs, symbols, and other graphic elements-assume an increasing importance from the twelfth century onward. They ensure the authenticity of the documents to which they are attached and create better access to information contained in a notary’s register, not only for the notary himself but also for his clients. The system of captions that develops becomes the most important and distinctive feature of notarial registers produced in the Middle Ages.