Ad Vitellium libri
Ex libro III
Paulus, On Vitellius, Book III. Usufruct is the right to use and enjoy the property of others, at the same time preserving intact the substance of the same.
Paulus, On Vitellius, Book III. Titius left the Tusculan Estate to Mævius, and appointed him a trustee for the transfer to Titia of the usufruct of half of the said estate. Mævius rebuilt a house which was ruined by age, and which was required for the collection and preservation of the crops. The question then arose, whether Titia was obliged to assume part of the expense in proportion to her usufruct? Scævola answered that if it was necessary to rebuild the house before the usufruct was transferred, Mævius would not be compelled to deliver it, unless an action for the expense was allowed.
Paulus, On Vitellius, Book III. And his clients.
The Same, On Vitellius, Book III. A portion of an use cannot be bequeathed; for we can enjoy a portion, but we cannot use one.
Paulus, On Vitellius, Book III. If an insane person should be appointed a guardian, the appointment must be understood to have been made under the condition that he becomes of sound mind.
The Same, On Vitellius, Book III. If, for example, a slave who is to be free under the condition of paying a certain sum of money in a hundred days, and the beginning of the term is not mentioned, it will begin to run from the day that the estate is entered upon, because it is absurd to hold that it would begin before the time arrived when he who was entitled to the legacy would be able to receive it. This rule will apply to all legatees who are directed to pay the heir under such circumstances. Therefore the time for complying with the condition by the legatee will be computed from the day when the estate was entered upon.
Paulus, On Vitellius, Book III. Where a slave was ordered to pay a certain sum of money, and the person to whom he was to pay it was not mentioned, he must pay it to the heirs in proportion to their respective shares of the state, for each one of them must receive a share in proportion to his ownership of the slave. 1Where certain heirs are mentioned by the testator as those to whom the slave is required to make payment, he must do so in proportion to their respective shares of the estate. 2If a stranger is joined with the heirs who are mentioned, the full share must be paid to him, and amounts in proportion to their respective shares of the estate should be paid to the others. If the testator not only added Titius, but others besides, they will each be entitled to a full share, and their co-heirs to amounts in proportion to their interest of the estate; as is stated by Julianus.
The Same, On Vitellius, Book III. If I stipulate as follows: “Do you promise that you will do nothing to prevent me from taking one of the slaves which you have?” I will be entitled to the choice.
The Same, On Vitellius, Book III. When the title to property cannot vest in anyone, no obligation can cause it to do so.