Latin aphorisms

Medical deontology and principles of therapy

Medical ethics is largely based on ancient postulates. For example, the principle of a rational approach to therapy is reflected in the expression Medica mente, non medicamentis, which urges treating primarily with the mind, not just with drugs. However, when faced with real pathology, a different rule comes into play: Morbi non eloquentia, sed remediis curantur — diseases are cured not by eloquence, but by specific medications.

When prescribing treatment, it is extremely important to remember the danger of excessive prescriptions. As Latin wisdom says, nothing harms health so much as the frequent change of drugs (Nihil aeque sanitatem impedit, quam remediorum crebra mutatio). Special caution should be exercised with potent drugs, because in the hands of an inexperienced person they are like a sword in the right hand of a madman (Medicamenta heroica in manu imperiti sunt, ut gladius in dextra furiosi). In critical situations, the physician is guided by the principle Periculum in mora! — danger lies in delay. At the same time, one should always avoid extremes, since everything excessive causes harm (Omne nimium nocet).

Clinical terminology and types of diagnoses

The Latin language gave medicine not only ethical maxims, but also strict professional terms. Routes of drug administration are designated by fixed combinations: oral administration is referred to as per os (through the mouth), and administration via the rectum as per rectum.

Diagnosis formulations deserve special attention:

• Diagnosis praecox — an early, timely detected diagnosis.
• Diagnosis ex observatione — a conclusion made on the basis of observing the patient.
• Diagnosis ex juvantibus — a diagnosis confirmed on the basis of assisting remedies (according to the results of the effectiveness of prescribed therapy).

Drug treatment is based on two opposing pharmacological approaches. Homeopathy relies on the principle Similia similibus curantur (like is cured by like), whereas classical allopathy asserts that the opposite is eliminated by the opposite (Contraria contrariis curantur).

Academic environment and the cognitive process

Student years are inextricably linked with Latin culture. An educational institution in relation to its alumni is traditionally called Alma mater, which literally translates as "nourishing mother". For outstanding merits, a scientist may be awarded the title Doctor honoris causa (honorary doctor) — this degree is issued "for the sake of honor" and does not require defending a dissertation.

In the process of learning, practice plays a key role, because experience is recognized as the best teacher (Usus est optimus magister). Students are often reminded of the humorous proverb: Plenus venter non studet libenter (a full belly is deaf to learning). Achieving true mastery requires regular efforts described by the rule Nulla dies sine linea (not a day without a line or exercise). Only in this way can one confirm that hard work conquers all (Labor omnia vincit), and physical activity additionally strengthens the body (Labor corpus firmat). The ideal specialist acts with art and humanity, labor and knowledge (Arte et humanitate, labore et scientia).

Philosophical and legal concepts

Many Latin aphorisms have gone beyond the narrow professional environment. Deep reflections on human nature are reflected in sayings about the transience of life and the infinity of art (Vita brevis, ars longa), as well as in the strict call to remember death (Memento mori).

In matters of logic and science, a distinction is made between knowledge obtained beforehand, independently of experience (a priori), and conclusions made after the fact, based on experience (a posteriori). In the field of law, principles formulated back in the days of the Roman Empire dominate:

• Salus populi — suprema lex (according to Cicero) — the welfare of the people is the supreme law.
• Dura lex, sed lex — the law is harsh, but such is the law.
• Ignorantia non est argumentum — ignorance and lack of knowledge are not an argument.
• Nemo judex in causa sua — no one can be a judge in their own case.

Latin emphasizes personal responsibility: everyone is the blacksmith of their own fortune (Faber est suae quisque fortunae). And although to err is human for absolutely all people, only fools continue to persist in their delusions (Hominis est errare, insipientis perseverare), because not every mistake is stupidity (Non omnis error stultitia).

Briefly: answers to topical questions

Class and exam questions

What else to study on this topic

• Third declension masculine nouns (apex, cortex, liquor, pulmo)
• Proverbs on friendship and human relationships (Amicus certus in re incerta cernitur)
• Winged expressions describing appearance and wisdom (In vestimentis non est sapientia mentis)
• Latin metaphors of human nature (Homo homini lupus est, Nemo sapiens nisi patiens)

Other topics in the section "Superlative degree. Substantivization. Prefixes. Compound adjectives"

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