Negative theorem

Theorem The"o*rem, n. [L. theorema, Gr. ? a sight, speculation, theory, theorem, fr. ? to look at, ? a spectator: cf. F. th['e]or[`e]me. See {Theory}.] 1. That which is considered and established as a principle; hence, sometimes, a rule. [1913 Webster]

Not theories, but theorems (?), the intelligible products of contemplation, intellectual objects in the mind, and of and for the mind exclusively. --Coleridge. [1913 Webster]

By the theorems, Which your polite and terser gallants practice, I re-refine the court, and civilize Their barbarous natures. --Massinger. [1913 Webster]

2. (Math.) A statement of a principle to be demonstrated. [1913 Webster]

Note: A theorem is something to be proved, and is thus distinguished from a problem, which is something to be solved. In analysis, the term is sometimes applied to a rule, especially a rule or statement of relations expressed in a formula or by symbols; as, the binomial theorem; Taylor's theorem. See the Note under {Proposition}, n., 5. [1913 Webster]

{Binomial theorem}. (Math.) See under {Binomial}.

{Negative theorem}, a theorem which expresses the impossibility of any assertion.

{Particular theorem} (Math.), a theorem which extends only to a particular quantity.

{Theorem of Pappus}. (Math.) See {Centrobaric method}, under {Centrobaric}.

{Universal theorem} (Math.), a theorem which extends to any quantity without restriction. [1913 Webster]