 The Latin phrase “ceteris paribus” or “caeteris paribus”—literally meaning “other things being equal”— was used in a non-technical sense by  Cicero.[1]  However, most of the early uses of the ceteris paribus-clause are found in economics. In economic contexts the use of ceteris paribus clauses can be traced back to Petrus  Olivi[2]  in 1295. In the 16th century, Juan de  Medina[3]  and Luis de  Molina[4]  used “ceteris paribus” while discussing economic issues.