NOTICE. — It is, according to the terminology introduced by Brunner, the documentary proof relating to a legal transaction already perfected prior to the documentation, unlike the *charta*, which has dispositive value.
The use of the *notitia* is traced back to the 7th century, but its derivation from the Roman testimonial document is clear; this was drawn up or caused to be drawn up in the interest of the recipient, as in the latter case, the validity of the *notitia* rests on the subscriptions of witnesses (in classical times, seals are found in place of signatures), and the notary subscribes to it without the formula of completion. The distinction between *charta* and *notitia* did not, however, remain so clear-cut in diplomatic practice, and above all from the 11th century onwards, *notitiae* are found which acquire validity solely through the notarial subscription.