The state, professions, etc., of the German, Italian, and Gallic slaves, during the middle ages, are explained by Heineccius (Element. Jur. Germ. 1. i. No. 28-47), Muratori (Dissertat. xiv. xv.). Ducange (Gloss. sub voce Servi), and the Abbé de Mably (Observations, tom. ii. p. 3, etc., p. 237 etc.).