De aestimatoria
(Concerning the Action for the Estimation of the Value of Property.)
1 Ulpianus libro trigesimo secundo ad edictum. Actio de aestimato proponitur tollendae dubitationis gratia: fuit enim magis dubitatum, cum res aestimata vendenda datur, utrum ex vendito sit actio propter aestimationem, an ex locato, quasi rem vendendam locasse videor, an ex conducto, quasi operas conduxissem, an mandati. melius itaque visum est hanc actionem proponi: quotiens enim de nomine contractus alicuius ambigeretur, conveniret tamen aliquam actionem dari, dandam aestimatoriam praescriptis verbis actionem: est enim negotium civile gestum et quidem bona fide. quare omnia et hic locum habent, quae in bonae fidei iudiciis diximus. 1Aestimatio autem periculum facit eius qui suscepit: aut igitur ipsam rem debebit incorruptam reddere aut aestimationem de qua convenit.
1 Ulpianus, On the Edict, Book XXXII. The action for the estimation of the value of property was invented for the purpose of removing doubt. For when property which had been appraised was given to another to be sold, it was doubtful whether an action on sale based on the estimated value would lie; or whether one on lease would be available, as I seemed to have leased the property for the purpose of sale; or whether one on hiring could be brought, since I hired the services of the party to sell it, or whether recourse could be had to an action on mandate? It, therefore, seemed to be betto be delivered as rent was required to be specifically indicated, and not merely a share of what might be produced. 1The estimate of property, however, is made at the risk of the person who receives it, and hence he must either restore the property itself in an undamaged condition, or pay the amount of the appraisement agreed upon.
2 Paulus libro trigesimo ad edictum. Haec actio utilis est et si merces intervenit.
2 Paulus, On the Edict, Book XXX. This action is an equitable one, and involves compensation.