Basic rules for using prepositions
In medical terminology and Latin grammar, all prepositions are combined exclusively with two cases: Accusativus (accusative) and Ablativus (ablative).
The main difficulty for beginners is that the case government of prepositions in Latin and English does not match. Because of this, one cannot rely on literal translation: the case of a specific preposition simply needs to be memorized.
Prepositions with double government
Some Latin prepositions can govern two cases at once. The choice of case directly depends on the question that the dependent word answers:
- Where to? — Accusativus (accusative case) is used.
- Where? — Ablativus (ablative case) is used.
A clear example is the preposition in, meaning "in" or "on":
- in vitrum (Acc.) — into a vial (answering the question "where to?");
- in vitro (Abl.) — in a vial (answering the question "where?").
The preposition sub (under) behaves similarly:
- sub linguam (Acc.) — under the tongue ("where to?");
- sub lingua (Abl.) — under the tongue ("where?").
Structuring a medical formula in a prescription
Knowledge of cases and prepositions is applied in practice when filling out prescription forms, for example, form No. 107/u. A standard prescription consists of several mandatory parts:
- Inscriptio — the stamp of the healthcare institution indicating OKUD and OKPO codes.
- Patient info section — date of issue, patient category, full name of the patient and physician, age.
- Praescriptio — the prescription formula containing the superscription Rp. and the name of the medicinal product (e.g., Ung. Tetracyclini ophthalmici 10.0).
- Subscriptio — directions to the pharmacist (D. S.).
- Signatura — instructions for the patient in Russian.
- Prescription validation — signature, personal seal of the specialist, triangular seal "For prescriptions", and the validity period of the form.
To remember the double government of the prepositions in and sub, the following question helps: movement (where to? into the accusative — Accusativus) requires energy and forward motion, while a static position (where? into the ablative — Ablativus) implies rest in place.
Class and exam questions
What cases are prepositions used with in Latin?
In Latin, prepositions are combined only with two cases: Accusativus (accusative) and Ablativus (ablative).
How does the meaning of the preposition in change depending on the case?
With the accusative case (Accusativus), the preposition answers the question "where to?" (for example, in vitrum — into a vial), and with the ablative (Ablativus) — the question "where?" (for example, in vitro — in a vial).
What main sections does a prescription form No. 107/u include?
A prescription consists of the institution's stamp (Inscriptio), patient info section, prescription formula (Praescriptio), pharmacist directions (Subscriptio), patient instructions (Signatura), and prescription validation.
What else to study on this topic
- Features of translating anatomical terms with prepositions
- Rules of abbreviations in the prescription line
- Classification of dosage forms in formulas
- Filling out the patient info section of the prescription form
- Validity periods of prescriptions for various categories
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Other topics in the section "Accusativus and Ablativus. Prepositions. Prescription. Prescription Line"
Prepared by WhiteCoat Pro faculty in accordance with the medical school curriculum. For educational purposes only.