So imposing has been the work by Philip Grierson on coins and coinages that one might overlook the fact that he is the author of a very remarkable study demonstrating the prevalence in Dark Age Europe of forms of unilateral transfer, such as gift and robbery, which in those primitive and troubled societies substituted for exchanges. It is perhaps a paradox that it is this most eminent historian of money who has brought to the attention of his fellow historians the relevance of alternative practices favouring the elimination of money.

The article was not, however, the expression of an isolated idea. Those who have some familiarity with Philip Grierson's work know of his persistent interest in all forms of primitive exchange (that is, exchange without using money as a means of payment), as well as in all forms of primitive money (that is, means of exchange other than coins, paper money, or deposits). Thus it may not be irrelevant in a collection of essays in honour of Philip Grierson to comment upon a curious notarial document drawn up in Genoa on the 25th day of August 1481.

The document records the solemn agreement reached between the members of the College of Physicians of Genoa on the one part and the Chancellors of the Commune of Genoa on the other.