This applied in their time. As for our time, however, they can be precisely specified, provided that the material from which they are made is stated.

His statement, “narrow-mouthed buckets”: buckets are well known. Some buckets have narrow openings, meaning that their lower portions are wider; others are the reverse, with their upper portions wider; and some have the same width at the top and bottom. As for those whose upper and lower portions are equal, a salam contract for them is valid and sound, because they can be specified by their description and involve no uncertainty. As for narrow-mouthed buckets, a salam contract for them is not valid, since they cannot be precisely specified. Their openings may be narrow in a ratio of one tenth, for example, to their lower portions, or one fifth, or even more; thus, they differ. If the buckets are equal in width at the top and bottom, a salam contract for them is permissible.

As I have said, all of this applies where the items are handmade. But if they are manufactured by machines, as is the case today, they can be precisely specified even if their openings are narrow. Thus, the familiar jugs available today can be specified with precision if you say, “of such-and-such a type and such-and-such a capacity,” for then they will be fully determined.

His statement, “jewels”: these are what is gathered from the sea. A salam contract for them is not possible, because they cannot be precisely specified. Some jewels may be worth thousands, while others are not worth tens. Therefore, they are not sold by description; rather, jewels can only be sold after inspection, because it is not possible to specify them adequately by description.

His statement, “a pregnant animal”: a salam contract for it is not possible, because it is rarely possible