“Validatio-autenticatio” y “expeditio-traditio” de la documentación inquisitorial: el sello y el correo del Santo Oficio español

Abstract

Within those phases that constitute the diplomatic “conscription”, it's necessary to emphasize, firstly, the “validation” and the “autenticatio” (related to signs’ writing, that closes the document's text, and seal's apposition); and, secondly, the “expedition” and “tradition” (both concerning the original document´s sending and delivery to addressee), In this article, the authors deal with the study of these elements from the inquisitorial perspective (an almost unknown subject). They analyze topics such as the seal, validation methods, and the relationship between the Spanish Inquisition and mailing systems or sealed paper.