Si Quis, like many words in the English language has more than one meaning. The si quis originated with the Praetorian Edicts. “Si Quis” literally means “if anyone”. To this day it survives in modern civil law retaining its original meaning.

The si quis was originally used to publish invitations to debate certain edicts. In 16th century England the “si quis” evolved into a legal document or bill posted to the door of a church to inform the parishioners of any item subject to discussion, most frequently to debate the appointment of a new priest. “If anyone” in the parish wanted to object to, or speak in favor of the appointment, the time and place was designated on the si quis. The si quis became so commonly used that it evolved from the si quis to a “Siquis”.

These hand-written bills frequently appeared in churches not only in England, but across Europe as well.

The evolution of the si quis had begun.

With the advent of the Gutenberg the first mass printed Siquis appeared. The world was no longer constrained by the laboriously slow, hand written document. Naturally, the explosion of knowledge followed, and so the did the evolution of the siquis.

It didn't take long for savy entrepreneurs to adapt the idea to announce the opening of new shops, businesses and arrival of new shipments from afar.This is of course by definition, advertising. But the evolution of the siquis was not complete. As schools of higher learning appear the science of selling or “marketing” is born.

Consequently, the origin of both industries, advertising and marketing, can trace its roots to the si quis.

And the evolution continues...