Note 36 — Book I.
John Beames translation
Among the Laws of Canute, are some inflicting the punishment of loss of members. (LL. Canuti, c. 15. 33. &c.)
From hence it has been inferred, that Canute first introduced this species of punishment into England.
However that may be, the Conqueror’s Law forms too remarkable a feature in his Legislation to be passed over in silence. It forbids the punishments of death and hanging for any crime, but orders, that the eyes of the offenders should be plucked out, or their feet or hands &c. amputated, ita quod truncus vivus remaneat in signum proditionis et nequitiæ suæ!! (LL. Gul. Conq. p. 218. Ed. Wilkins.)