Chapter IV. On the Matter and Form of Matrimony

1554. Principles. - I. The remote matter of Matrimony is the bodies of the contracting parties, insofar as they are mutually handed over to one another in order to the generation of offspring. - Thus commonly.

But the proximate matter is the handing over itself of the bodies, which is perfected by the words or signs expressing consent. - Thus commonly. Benedict XIV, Constitution Paucis abhinc.

II. The form consists in the mutual acceptance of the contracting parties expressed by words or signs. - Thus likewise more commonly.

See the Dogmaticians.