Topic
Topic , noun
[French topiques, pl., Latin topica the title of a work of Aristotle, Greek topika`, from topiko`s of or for place, concerning to`poi, or commonplaces, from to`pos a place.]
(a)
One of the various general forms of argument employed in probable as distinguished from demonstrative reasoning, -- denominated by Aristotle to`poi (literally, places), as being the places or sources from which arguments may be derived, or to which they may be referred; also, a prepared form of argument, applicable to a great variety of cases, with a supply of which the ancient rhetoricians and orators provided themselves; a commonplace of argument or oratory.
(b)
A treatise on forms of argument; a system or scheme of forms or commonplaces of argument or oratory; as, the Topics of Aristotle.
These topics, or loci, were no other than general ideas applicable to a great many different subjects, which the orator was directed to consult.
In this question by [reason] I do not mean a distinct topic, but a transcendent that runs through all topics.
2.
An argument or reason. [Obsolete]
Contumacious persons, who are not to be fixed by any principles, whom no topics can work upon.
3.
The subject of any distinct portion of a discourse, or argument, or literary composition; also, the general or main subject of the whole; a matter treated of; a subject, as of conversation or of thought; a matter; a point; a head.
4.
(Medicine) An external local application or remedy, as a plaster, a blister, etc. [Obsolescent] — Wiseman
Topic , adjective
Topical. — Drayton. Holland