the former, the latter

This frequent pairing of demonstrative pronouns, especially when they are used substantively, seems to be a frequent source of confusion to the reader. Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary tells us that 'the former' refers to the "first mentioned or in order of two things mentioned or understood..."; other English dictionaries agree with this sense of "first or first mentioned of two". If one were to keep this definition in mind when reading or hearing English, there ought not be any misprision.

In Latin, the HIC forms are used for "what is near the speaker (in time, place, or thought).... It is sometimes used for the speaker himself; sometimes for 'the latter' of two things mentioned in speech or writing; more rarely for 'the former,' when that, though more remote on the written page, is nearer the speaker in time, place, or thought. Often it refers to that which has just been mentioned. ILLE is used of what is remote (in time,etc.).... ISTE is used of what is between the two others in remoteness... It especially refers to one's opponent ... and frequently implies antagonism or contempt." --Allen and Greenough's New Latin Grammar, Dover edition, 2006, pp.177,8.

As for Ancient Greek, these distinctions appear to be the same as for the Latin equivalents: HODE for HIC, HOUTOS for ISTE, EKEINOS for ILLE according to GREEK GRAMMAR by Herbert Weir Smyth, Rev. Messing, Harvard University Press, 1920, 1956, 1984, pp. 307-309, #1240-1261.

Marcus Tullius Cicero, a model Latinist in almost all respects, seems to have been especially inconsistent with how he used these demonstratives. Perhaps he used this as a rhetorical device to keep his listeners or readers somewhat uncertain and consequently giving his words closer attention?
http://www.utexas.edu/depts/classics/documents/Cic.html