civil law. This mode of computing time, formerly in use among the Romans, is yet used in several chanceries in, Europe, particularly in that of the pope. Many ancient instruments bear these dates; it is therefore proper to notice them here. These three words designate all the days of the month. 2. The calends were the first day of every month, and were known by adding the names of the months; 3. In the months of March, May, July and October, the fifteenth day of the months was the Ides.