What is "negative theorem"

Theorem \The"o*rem\, n. [L. theorema, Gr. ? a sight, speculation, theory, theorem, fr. ? to look at, ? a spectator: cf. F. th['e]or[`e]me. See Theory.]

1. That which is considered and established as a principle; hence, sometimes, a rule.

   Not theories, but theorems (?), the intelligible products of contemplation, intellectual objects in the mind, and of and for the mind exclusively.
   --Coleridge.

   By the theorems, Which your polite and terser gallants practice, I re-refine the court, and civilize Their barbarous natures.
   --Massinger.

2. (Math.) A statement of a principle to be demonstrated.

   Note: A theorem is something to be proved, and is thus distinguished from a problem, which is something to be solved. In analysis, the term is sometimes applied to a rule, especially a rule or statement of relations expressed in a formula or by symbols; as, the binomial theorem; Taylor's theorem. See the Note under Proposition, n., 5.

   Binomial theorem. (Math.) See under Binomial.

   Negative theorem, a theorem which expresses the impossibility of any assertion.

   Particular theorem (Math.), a theorem which extends only to a particular quantity.

   Theorem of Pappus. (Math.) See Centrobaric method, under Centrobaric.

   Universal theorem (Math.), a theorem which extends to any quantity without restriction.