[blml] Exceptio probat regulam in casibus non exceptis [SEC=UNOFFICIAL]

[Alain Gottcheiner]

At 16:16 4/05/2007 +0100, Nigel wrote:

>The true origin of the phrase lies in a medieval Latin legal
>principle: exceptio probat regulam in casibus non exceptis, which
>may be translated as "the exception confirms the rule in the cases
>not excepted".
>

I'm sorry, Sir; this is simply not true. Check for example at :

http://www.alanemrich.com/Class/Class_Practical_Latin.htm
http://seaflower.deviantart.com/

And you'll find the original sense, which dates back to Antiquity :
"an exception tests the rule".
A sort of pre-Popperian falsifiability principle, so to speak.

What has been done of it thereafter is another story.

Regards

   Alain
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