145. Gutherius (de Officiis Dumus Augusta, 1. ii. c. 20, 1.
iii.) has very accurately explained the functions of the
master of the offices, and the constitution of the
subordinate scrinia. But he vainly attempts, on the most
doubtful authority, to deduce from the time of the
Antonines, or even of Nero, the origin of a magistrate who
cannot be found in history before the reign of Constantine.