(MANUSCRIT). (ORLÉANS). RULE de St Augustin et CONSTITUTIONS POUR LES SOEURS RELIGIEUSES DU GRAND HOSPITAL & MAISON DIEU D'ORLÉANS. Orléans, 1665; manuscript in-4 (233 x 174 mm), marbled calf, spine ribbed with grotesque decoration (Binding of the period). Title, 238 pp. (3)ff. Handsome manuscript calligraphy in black and red ink, numerous watercoloured initials, sometimes enhanced with gold. A precious testimony to the central role played by women - and in particular Augustinian nuns - in charitable hospital institutions. Dedicated to caring for the sick poor, the nuns were to regard them as "masters and lords" of their house, treating them "gently and with honour". The Constitutions detail the various functions of the Sister Apothecary and Surgeon, the Coucheuse, the Veilleuse, the Nurses, etc., the powers of the Mother Superior and the manner in which they were to be exercised. After a description of the reception of the novices, the ceremonies for taking the habit (gestures, questions and answers, etc.) and their instruction (including learning to read and write), an important chapter is devoted to the Coulpes (faults), Légères, Grièves (dressing up, speaking lasciviously), Très grièves and énormes (misconduct, love letters, rebellion, apostasy, etc.) and their punishments. No other copy of these Constitutions has been found in the CCFR (Manuscripts and Archives). Binding faded but solid.