Theorists established [the rules of ars dictaminis, the art of composition and style], which were meant to direct the composition, style and rhythm of every type of public document, private contract, and business and family correspondence. The various tre

Theorists established [the rules of ars dictaminis, the art of composition and style], which were meant to direct the composition, style and rhythm of every type of public document, private contract, and business and family correspondence. The various treatises which result used to be accompanied by collections of models and examples, or of copies of actual documents, assembled for the purpose of showing the application of the doctrine. Those volumes, regularly used by public officers, notaries and all those who needed to communicate in writing, were called formularia.