Beloch (85, but cf. 629), followed by Cram (HSCPh 51.85), insists that the cognomen Cursor in Frontinus is correct, and dates the censorship in 271. Moreover, they excluded Praetextatus because he had not yet held a consulship, though Cato mentioned a Papirius of the name (FOR 1.196f.). There were however Censors who held the office before attaining the consulship, in 318, 312, 209, and perhaps in 265. Praetextatus, clearly the reading in Fast. Cap., is favored by Degrassi (114). Frontinus probably confused the Censor with the Consul of the year. Perhaps the need of public works led to the election of Censors so soon after 275-274. (Broughton MRR I)
Fast. Cap. (names entire except [L. ?] Papirius), Degrassi, 40f., 114, 430f.; Frontin. Aq. 1.6; cf. Cato in FOR 1.196f. Papirius died in office, but Curius had contracted for the building of the Anio Vetus (Frontin.). (Broughton MRR I)