Yes, I posted Bill Merdith's message to illustrate the perils of attempting to equate old ecomonies with modern ones. The valid comparison would be within one economy, perhaps in one geographical area. That's why I gave the comparision (the only one I had at hand) between a ream of paper and a scullery maiden's monthly wages. (But I forgot to add in the free room and board, wine or brandy allowances, costumes, and other benefits provided by the employer.)
My point was that books were expensive back then, and probably only wealthy persons could afford them. Hans Heinrich Herwarth who acquired thousands of books (including hundreds of music books) was one of the wealthiest men of his age. With some research one might be ablr to make some valid comparisons between the price of a Petrucci print and the costs of living at the beginning of the 16th century. ajn.
