(p. 68) how:

     The method of ‘la dictee’ (dictamen , dictation) in 
     medieval schools had beyond doubt the goal of producing 
     a definitive written text, usable on the spot, suitable to 
     be read by anybody, and being eligible for commercial sale 
     should the occasion arise. The one dictating said the 
     words not once or twice but several times. Indeed, even 
     after the banning of dictation courses it was permitted 
     that the teacher dictate certain theses to be retained. . . .

     Quite distinct from the precise and thorough mode of 
dictation in the Arts courses called modus pronuntiantium , 
there was: “a special form of dictation that followed the modus  
pronuntiantium ; there was this other method of doing a 
course, speaking in a speedier fashion, a method destined for