For practical reasons, the index has been divided into two parts: a list of names of persons, and an index of geographical places and subjects.

The first index contains the names of all the persons mentioned in the volume. In the case of medieval scholars and personalities, the alphabetical order used is that of the Christian or given name rather than the family surname. For the humanists, usually better known under their patronymic, this is the name that features in the alphabetical list. Authors' works have not been included in the indexes.

The geographical and subject index has been carefully edited. In other words, the various subjects which appear in the text are not necessarily reproduced as such or under a place name in the index. Instead, we have preferred to group entries under a more general heading, and we have included only subjects which are directly relevant for the history of universities. For all references to individual persons, the reader should consult the name index (with the obvious exception of Aristotle and Aristotelianism). Place names are given in the English form, when this exists, followed by the (modern) country and county, Land, département or province. For the sake of historical accuracy, the name commonly used at the time is listed. The present place name or other variants are shown in brackets after the entry concerned. Wherever possible, people have been identified and places located.

The two indexes have been compiled with the help of Johan Hanselaer in Ghent. We are most grateful to him for his diligent work and attention to detail.