NOTITIA. - According to the terminology introduced by Brunner, this is the probative document relating to a juridical act already completed prior to documentation, as distinct from the charta, which has dispositive value.
The use of the n. is traced back to the 7th century, but its derivation from the Roman testimonial document, drawn up or caused to be drawn up in the interest of the recipient, is clear; as in the latter, the validity of the n. rests upon the subscriptions of the witnesses (in the classical period seals are found in place of signatures), and the notary subscribes it without the formula of completio. The distinction between charta and n., however, was not preserved in practice so sharply in its diplomatic characteristics and, especially from the 11th century onward, n. are found that acquire validity through the notary’s subscription alone.