Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 3.djvu/156

132 viously caused the use of a pipe, (fistula, pipa, syphon, pugillaris, canna, or calamus;) the wine was thus drawn from the chalice by suction. This custom, long retained at Chuny, St. Denis, and other monasteries, as also at the coronation of the kings of France, is now only observed by the Pope. It is supposed to have been of high antiquity, and was not unknown in Britain, as appears by the inventory of vessels and vestments given to the church of Exeter by Bishop Leofric, (circa A.D. 1046,) amongst which were five silver chalices, and one "silfrene pipe," the Anglo-Saxon term whereby the fistula appears to be designated in a contemporary inventory. Florence of Worcester likewise states that William Rufus, after his coronation, A.D. 1087, bestowed upon the chief churches in the realm precious gifts, "fistulas," sacred vessels and ornaments. This tube was occasionally fixed permanently in the chalice, according to the minute directions given by Theophilus. The Greek Church had adopted the usage of dipping the bread in the wine, the administration being made with a spoon, (labida,) a practice supposed by some to have been not wholly unknown in the Western Church, but the spoon, or cochlear, frequently named with the chalice in inventories, appears to have been used in pouring the wine and water thereinto, and in some instances to have served as a strainer , properly called colatorium, for the formation of which detailed instructions are given by Theophilus.

To enumerate and explain the various artistic processes, which, according to the curious descriptions preserved in ancient documents, were employed to enrich these accessories of the service of the altar, would extend this notice beyond the limits suitable to the Archæological Journal. If any of our readers should desire to ascertain the customary and appropriate character of these decorations, the inventories of St. Paul's, London, A.D. 1295, of Lincoln cathedral, York Minster, and other churches, published by Dugdale, will be found to supply abundant information. With regard, how-