WHereas a new Book intituled Artachthos , for the just assizing and weighing of Bread , aswell with Avoirdupois weights , as with Troy weights , hath been lately composed by the Art , industry and pains of Our welbeloved subject John Penkethman , gent . and Accomptant ; By means whereof the Assize and weight of the severall sorts of Bread , appointed by the Laws and Ordinances of this Our Realm of England , according to the different and variable prices of Wheat , may be certainly known and assized , which Book ( as it hath appeared unto Our Privy-Councell , by Certificate from the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of Our City of London ) is exact and true , and doth justly and truly set forth the same , being rightly grounded upon the Statute made in the one and fiftieth yeer of the reign of King Henry the third , and will be of good use for Our subjects , and for the benefit of the Common-wealth , where the old Book formerly set forth , Intituled , The Assize of Bread , ( being made for Troy weights onely ) is certified to be very false and unfit for use : Neither could the Magistrates & Officers that have authority to assize and weigh the Bakers Bread in most parts of Our Kingdom , make use of the said old Book ( in case the same were true ) for want of Troy weights , ( which are very scarce , as Wee are informed ) So that the Bakers , taking advantage of such defects , do continue their usuall course of offending , yet passe unpunished .

Wee therfore in favour of Arts , and good endeavours , have granted especiall priviledge to the said John Penkethman , for the sole printing and publishing of the said new Book , Intituled , Artachthos , during the terme of one and twenty yeers , in recompence of his said pains and his expence therein . And in respect Our said Subjects , especially in the remote parts of Our Realm of England , and in Our dominion of Wales , cannot otherwise take knowledge of the approbation given to the said new Book , and that they should be at all times hereafter thereby regulated in the Assize of Bread , Wee do hereby publish the Premisses unto all Our loving Subjects , and chiefly to all Iustices of Peace , Mayors , Sheriffs , Bailiffes , Constables , Headboroughs , and other Our Officers & Ministers , whose duty it is to look unto the just weight & Assize of Bread according to the Law : Straightly charging and commanding them to take care that the same be duly observed according to the said new Book , whereby the deceits now commonly practised in the under-weight of Bread may be discerned and prevented , and the offenders therein condignely punished .