The thesis researches the influence of marine insurance law on the development of fire and life insurance law in the Dutch Republic (1581–1795). Contrary to what often is assumed, viz. that the latter are an offspring, following the former’s principles and rules, the existence of mutual fire insurance contracts belies this. The book reviews both old and new sources which mostly consist of contracts that are known throughout the Dutch Republic. Accordingly, the study takes on a casuistic approach, treating instances of fire and life insurance on a case-by-case basis.