aphorism (aforizm)

[= F. aphorisme, The aphorism formulated by Linnæus in regard to plants. Quat ref ages, Human Species (trans.), p. 50. 2. A precept or rule expre ed in few words; a detached sentence containing some important truth: as, the aphorisms of Hippo crates, or of the civil law. The three ancient commentators on Hippo crates... have given the sa same definition of an aphorism , i. e., "a succinct saying, comprehending a complete statement," or a saying poor in expre ion, but rich in sentiment.