index

A book containing references, alphabetically arranged, to the contents of a series or collection of volumes; or an addition to asingle volume or set of volumes containing such references to its contents, a statute or Instrument is tho best guide to the intention. Broom, Max. 622.

A portion of a book exhibiting, in alphabetical order, and in more or less detail, the contents of the whole volume; or, a book in itself containing, in like order, references to the contents of a series of volumes. Latin plural, indices; English plural, indexes. Direct index. Exhibits the names of grantors, lessors, mortgagors, and other parties of the first part to recorded instruments. Indirect or reverse index. Gives the names of grantees, lessees, mortgagees, and other like parties to whom recorded instruments were executed; also called ad seotam index: literally, at the suit of, that is, orig- ■ United States v. Irwin, 5 Mc Lekn, 183-84 (1851). 2 See Rev. Stat., 2 ed., pp. 3-6. inally, containing instruments made or delivered to plaintiffs. Indexes, directed by statute to be made, are designed to facilitate the examination of records, not to protect the interests of persons whose conveyances are recorded. In such case the failure of the ofl Bcer to make the index will not prejudice the title of a grantee or mortgagee.' See Idem, Sonans.