Front matter — Gury-Ballerini, Compendium of Moral Theology (8th ed., 1884)
Things to Be Noted
I. Whenever a number from authors is indicated, it will have to be referred to the treatise concerning which the matter is being treated, in those authors: thus, for example, if in the treatise concerning Laws you find St. Lig. no. 40, understand: St. Lig. no. 40, in the treatise concerning Laws. But if at any time the cited place pertains to a different treatise, this will be expressly indicated.
II. Authors brought forward to confirm the doctrine, for the greater clarity of the treatment, we have referred to after the reasons have been set forth; therefore the reasons, at least all of them, are not on that account to be ascribed indiscriminately to the same authors; for their testimony is brought forward rather for confirmation of the doctrine than for confirmation of the reasons.
To Be Noted — Concerning the Formulas of Responses of the Most Holy Congregations
Sometimes in the responses of the S. C. there occur terms not of so easy an understanding. They are explained.
Dilata, that is, responding is deferred, so that the matter may be subjected to a more mature examination, as being of difficult solution.
Affirmative et amplius, Negative et amplius, that is, when the matter has been discussed in the S. C. sufficiently and more than sufficiently, and has been decided by full votes as it lies, such a question is no longer admitted.
Nihil, that is, the petition is not admitted, as being incongruous.
Relatum or Lectum, that is, when the petition shall have been reported or read in the S. C., it was not admitted.
These modes are by no means to be despised, since they have been introduced for avoiding longer circumlocutions of words.