Digest

A collection or compilation, embodying the chief matter of numerous books in one, disposed under proper heads or titles, and usually by an alphabetical arrangement, for facility in reference. As alegal term, “digest” is to ba distinguished from “abridgment.” The latter is a summary or epitome of the contents of asingle work, in which, as arule, the origiaal order or sequence of parts is preserved, and in which the principal labor of the compiler is in the matter of consolidation. A digest is wider in its scope; is made up of quotetions or paraphrased passages; and has its own system of classification aad arrangement. An “index” merely pvints out the places where particular matters may be found, without purporting to give such matters im exvtenso. A “treatise” or “eommeniary” is not a compilation, but an origine! composition, though it may include quotations and excerpts. A reference to the “Digest,” or “Dig.,” is always understood to designate the Digest {or Pandects) of the Justinian collection;