The preceding observations will, it is hoped, render more readily intelligible the following Scheme, which has been prepared according to the principles of classification that have been suggested, and has been found to answer its purpose as far as it has been hitherto tried. It is capable of being adapted to the size and nature of the collection, existing or contemplated; for when that is small, the sub-division of some of the classes may be omitted; and when large or indefinite, further sub-divisions may be made, taking care that the distinctions appear on the seals themselves, and that in every case the last of any number of heads into which any class be sub-divided, comprises all of that class which are not comprehended in the others.
SEALS.
I.—Ecclesiastical.
2. Cardinals, patriarchs, archbishops, and bishops.
3. Abbots, abbesses, and other heads of houses.[1]
4. Other ecclesiastics, secular or regular.
2. Religious communities professed, with or without the head.
3. Other bodies or communities.
IV.—Seals purely personal.
2. Without name.
II.—Lay, comprising all that do not appear to be Ecclesiastical.
II.—Seals of consorts and daughters of sovereigns.
III.—Seals of male issue of sovereigns, and consorts and daughters of such issue.
IV.—Official Seals.
2. With name of officer.
3. Without name of sovereign or officer.
- ↑ The word "houses" is here intended to comprise, not only regular communities, such as those of monks, nuns, and friars, but also houses or colleges of secular priests or canons, and the like, though not those of cathedral or collegiate churches.
