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# 31

 

It's a deal!

 

On the 6th of July, 1781, a French notary wrote this impressive document concerning a transaction between two noble people. It is a contract for the sale of major property in the French city of Dijon. According to the law the contract was sealed with lacquer, on a separate piece of paper, mounted on the contract with a piece of ribbon. Although a large sum was involved, for this seal the cheapest material was used: half a playing card.

     

This nice example of secondary use was offered to me just a few weeks ago. You can imagine what I said to the seller: "It's a deal". Do you think they  have said the same 226 years ago? Only now the subject of the deal is the contract itself.

Gejus                                    

back to # 40

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