Not theories, but theorems (?), the intelligible
products of contemplation, intellectual objects in
the mind, and of and for the mind exclusively.
--Coleridge.
By the theorems, Which your polite and terser
gallants practice, I re-refine the court, and
civilize Their barbarous natures. --Massinger.
2. (Math.) A statement of a principle to be demonstrated.
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.
{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.