Lesson 35

Introduction

The conjunction "atque" is a vital connecting word in Latin medical, pharmaceutical, and botanical texts. It serves to join words, phrases, and clauses with a sense of addition or emphasis, often implying "and moreover" or "and especially." In medical contexts, atque frequently connects symptoms, ingredients, or treatment methods, emphasizing the importance of considering multiple factors together.

Definition: Atque (also written as "ac" before consonants) is a coordinating conjunction meaning "and," "and also," "and moreover," or "and besides." After comparative adjectives and adverbs, it can mean "than." The phrase "simul atque" means "as soon as."

In this lesson, atque will appear in various positions within medical and botanical contexts, demonstrating its flexibility in connecting diagnostic observations, pharmaceutical preparations, and therapeutic instructions. You'll encounter it linking herbs in compound remedies, connecting symptoms in clinical descriptions, and joining treatment protocols.

Key Takeaways

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Atque is stronger and more emphatic than the simple conjunction "et" -

Before consonants, atque is often shortened to "ac" -

In medical texts, atque frequently emphasizes the combined importance of multiple factors -

After comparatives, atque means "than" rather than "and" -

The compound "simul atque" forms a temporal conjunction meaning "as soon as"

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Part A (Interleaved English and Latin Text)

35.1 Medicus physician aegrum sick person vīsitat visits atque and herbās herbs praescrībit prescribes

35.2 Papāver poppy atque and lactūca lettuce somnum sleep inducunt induce

35.3 Pharmacopōla pharmacist rādīcēs roots atque and also foliā leaves miscet mixes

35.4 Potior more powerful est is opium opium atque than valeriāna valerian

35.5 Simul as soon atque as febris fever surgit rises, remedia remedies parāmus we prepare

35.6 Colligimus we gather salviam sage rōsmarīnumque and rosemary atque and moreover thȳmum thyme

35.7 Dolōrem pain levat relieves ūnguent ointment atque and calōrem warmth praebet provides

35.8 Aeger patient tussit coughs atque and difficulter with difficulty spīrat breathes

35.9 Herba herb haec this dulcior sweeter atque than efficācior more effective est is

35.10 Atque and moreover notandum to be noted est it is dōsim dose esse to be parvam small

35.11 Vīnum wine medicātum medicated bibit drinks atque and statim immediately dormit sleeps

35.12 Decoctum decoction parātur is prepared ex from cortice bark atque and rādīcibus roots

35.13 Melior better fit becomes patiēns patient atque than herī yesterday erat was

35.14 Medicus physician pulsum pulse tangit touches atque and also linguam tongue īnspicit examines

35.15 Simul as soon atque as sōl sun oritur rises, herbās herbs carpimus we pluck

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Part B (Complete Natural Sentences)

35.1 Medicus aegrum vīsitat atque herbās praescrībit. The physician visits the sick person and prescribes herbs.

35.2 Papāver atque lactūca somnum inducunt. Poppy and lettuce induce sleep.

35.3 Pharmacopōla rādīcēs atque foliā miscet. The pharmacist mixes roots and also leaves.

35.4 Potior est opium atque valeriāna. Opium is more powerful than valerian.

35.5 Simul atque febris surgit, remedia parāmus. As soon as the fever rises, we prepare remedies.

35.6 Colligimus salviam rōsmarīnumque atque thȳmum. We gather sage and rosemary, and moreover thyme.

35.7 Dolōrem levat ūnguentum atque calōrem praebet. The ointment relieves pain and provides warmth.

35.8 Aeger tussit atque difficulter spīrat. The patient coughs and breathes with difficulty.

35.9 Herba haec dulcior atque efficācior est. This herb is sweeter and more effective.

35.10 Atque notandum est dōsim esse parvam. And moreover, it should be noted that the dose is small.

35.11 Vīnum medicātum bibit atque statim dormit. He drinks the medicated wine and immediately falls asleep.

35.12 Decoctum parātur ex cortice atque rādīcibus. The decoction is prepared from bark and roots.

35.13 Melior fit patiēns atque herī erat. The patient becomes better than he was yesterday.

35.14 Medicus pulsum tangit atque linguam īnspicit. The physician feels the pulse and also examines the tongue.

35.15 Simul atque sōl oritur, herbās carpimus. As soon as the sun rises, we pluck herbs.

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Part C (Latin Text Only)

35.1 Medicus aegrum vīsitat atque herbās praescrībit.

35.2 Papāver atque lactūca somnum inducunt.

35.3 Pharmacopōla rādīcēs atque foliā miscet.

35.4 Potior est opium atque valeriāna.

35.5 Simul atque febris surgit, remedia parāmus.

35.6 Colligimus salviam rōsmarīnumque atque thȳmum.

35.7 Dolōrem levat ūnguentum atque calōrem praebet.

35.8 Aeger tussit atque difficulter spīrat.

35.9 Herba haec dulcior atque efficācior est.

35.10 Atque notandum est dōsim esse parvam.

35.11 Vīnum medicātum bibit atque statim dormit.

35.12 Decoctum parātur ex cortice atque rādīcibus.

35.13 Melior fit patiēns atque herī erat.

35.14 Medicus pulsum tangit atque linguam īnspicit.

35.15 Simul atque sōl oritur, herbās carpimus.

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Part D (Grammar Explanation)

Grammar Rules for Atque

Atque is an indeclinable coordinating conjunction that connects elements of equal grammatical value. Unlike prepositions, it does not govern any particular case - the words it connects maintain their cases based on their function in the sentence.

Forms and Usage: -

Full form: atque (used before vowels and consonants) -

Shortened form: ac (used only before consonants) -

Never changes form regardless of what it connects

Primary Functions: -

Simple Coordination (= "and") -

Connects nouns: "rādīcēs atque foliā" (roots and leaves) -

Connects verbs: "tussit atque spīrat" (coughs and breathes) -

Connects adjectives: "dulcis atque efficāx" (sweet and effective) -

Emphatic Coordination (= "and also," "and moreover") -

Adds emphasis to the second element -

Often used when the second element is particularly important -

Example: "medicus pulsum tangit atque linguam īnspicit" (the physician feels the pulse and also examines the tongue) -

After Comparatives (= "than") -

Replaces "quam" after comparative adjectives -

Example: "dulcior atque efficācior" (sweeter and more effective than) -

Example: "melior atque herī erat" (better than he was yesterday) -

In Compound Expressions -

"simul atque" = "as soon as" -

Always followed by indicative mood -

Example: "simul atque febris surgit" (as soon as the fever rises)

Common Mistakes

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Confusing atque with et -

Error: Using atque and et interchangeably without considering emphasis -

Correction: Use et for simple addition, atque for emphasis or "and moreover" -

Misunderstanding comparative usage -

Error: "dulcior atque herba" (trying to say "sweeter than the herb") -

Correction: After comparatives, atque connects parallel forms: "dulcior atque illa" -

Wrong form before consonants -

Error: "atque cortex" -

Correction: "ac cortex" (though atque cortex is also acceptable) -

Case confusion -

Error: Thinking atque changes the case of following words -

Correction: Words maintain their required cases: "medicus (nom.) aegrum (acc.) vīsitat atque herbās (acc.) praescrībit" -

Forgetting simul in temporal expressions -

Error: "atque sōl oritur" (trying to say "when the sun rises") -

Correction: "simul atque sōl oritur" (as soon as the sun rises)

Step-by-Step Guide for Using Atque

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Identify what you're connecting -

Are they the same part of speech? -

Do they have the same grammatical function? -

Determine the level of emphasis needed -

Simple addition → consider et -

Added emphasis → use atque -

Check for special constructions -

Is there a comparative? → atque can mean "than" -

Need "as soon as"? → use simul atque -

Verify case agreement -

Both elements should be in the case their function requires -

Atque doesn't change cases

Comparison with English

Unlike English "and," which is neutral, atque carries emphasis. English might express this through: -

Word order: "He examines the tongue and even checks the pulse" -

Added words: "and also," "and moreover," "and furthermore" -

Punctuation: "roots, and leaves too"

Latin achieves this emphasis simply by choosing atque over et.

Grammatical Summary

Conjunction Type: Coordinating Declension: None (indeclinable) Basic Meaning: and, and also Special Uses: -

After comparatives = than -

simul atque = as soon as Variants: ac (before consonants only) Mood Required: No special mood requirement Case Government: None (maintains existing cases)

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Part E (Cultural Context)

For English speakers learning Latin medical terminology, understanding atque provides insight into how Roman medical writers emphasized the interconnectedness of symptoms, treatments, and botanical ingredients. In ancient medical texts, atque frequently appears when authors want to stress that multiple factors must be considered together - a holistic approach that characterized much of Roman medicine.

Roman physicians like Celsus and medical writers like Pliny the Elder used atque to link remedies that worked synergistically. When you see "mel atque acetum" (honey and vinegar) in a prescription, the atque suggests these aren't just two random ingredients but a purposeful combination where both elements are essential to the remedy's effectiveness.

The pharmaceutical tradition inherited this usage. Medieval herbalists and apothecaries continued using atque in their Latin formularies to indicate when ingredients should be combined for enhanced effect. The conjunction often signals that the substances mentioned work better together than separately - an early understanding of what we now call synergistic effects.

In diagnostic contexts, atque links symptoms that typically appear together or indicate a particular condition. A phrase like "febris atque dolor capitis" (fever and headache) uses atque to suggest these symptoms form a meaningful pattern rather than coincidental occurrences.

Modern medical Latin preserves this usage in formal contexts. Pharmaceutical nomenclature, botanical descriptions, and clinical terminology still employ atque when precision and emphasis are needed. Understanding its nuances helps medical professionals interpret historical texts and formal pharmaceutical documentation accurately.

The temporal usage "simul atque" reflects the Roman attention to timing in medical treatment - when to harvest herbs, when to administer medicines, and when to expect therapeutic effects. This precision in temporal relationships remains crucial in modern pharmacology and clinical practice.

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Part F (Literary Citation)

From Celsus, De Medicina 2.33:

Part F-A (Interleaved Text)

Part F-A (Interleaved Text)

Oportet it is necessary autem however eum him quī who febricitat has fever abstinēre to abstain ā from cibō food atque and also ā from potū drink prīmō on first diē day; deinde then sī if febris fever perseverat persists, bibere to drink aquam water atque and eam it tepidam lukewarm potius rather atque than frīgidam cold.

Part F-B (Complete Text with Translation)

Oportet autem eum quī febricitat abstinēre ā cibō atque ā potū prīmō diē; deinde sī febris perseverat, bibere aquam atque eam tepidam potius atque frīgidam.

It is necessary, however, that one who has a fever abstain from food and also from drink on the first day; then if the fever persists, to drink water, and that water lukewarm rather than cold.

Part F-C (Latin Text Only)

Oportet autem eum quī febricitat abstinēre ā cibō atque ā potū prīmō diē; deinde sī febris perseverat, bibere aquam atque eam tepidam potius atque frīgidam.

Part F-D (Grammatical Notes)

This passage from Celsus beautifully demonstrates three different uses of atque: -

First atque ("ā cibō atque ā potū"): Links two parallel prepositional phrases with emphatic force, stressing that the patient must abstain from both food and especially drink. -

Second atque ("bibere aquam atque eam tepidam"): Connects the infinitive phrase with a clarifying accusative, emphasizing the specific quality of water to be drunk. -

Third atque ("tepidam potius atque frīgidam"): Used after the comparative adverb "potius" (rather), meaning "than" - a classic example of atque's comparative usage.

The medical precision of Celsus's prose shows how atque adds emphasis and clarity to clinical instructions. The progression from complete abstinence to careful rehydration with specifically lukewarm water demonstrates the nuanced therapeutic approach of Roman medicine.

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Genre Section: Medical Recipe/Prescription

Part A (Interleaved Text)

Analysis of Latin Medical Recipe (35.16-35.30)

This is a wonderful medicinal recipe in Latin! Here's a summary of the preparation:

Main Ingredients:

- Flowers: chamomile - Leaves: mint - Roots: licorice - Seeds: fennel - Base liquids: water and white wine

Preparation Method:

1. Cook all herbs in water and wine 2. Sweeten with honey (better than without) 3. Cool and strain the decoction 4. Dosage: 3 ounces, morning and evening

Additional Preparation:

5. Mix almond oil with white wax 6. Prepare an ointment from pork fat and resin 7. Apply as a plaster when pain returns 8. Add honey and lemon juice for taste 9. Store in earthen vessel, covered

Key Medical Observations:

- 35.22: The potion (potio) is more effective than pills (pilulae) - 35.26: Fresh remedies are better than old ones - 35.29: The effect becomes stronger than expected - 35.30: The dose should be reduced as the patient recovers

Grammatical Notes:

The text uses the passive subjunctive throughout (Addantur, Coquantur, colātur, etc.) in imperative sense—typical of recipe/instruction writing in Latin.

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Part B (Complete Natural Sentences)

35.16 Recipe flōrēs chamomillae atque foliā menthae. Take flowers of chamomile and leaves of mint.

35.17 Addantur rādīcēs glycyrrhīzae atque sēmina foeniculi. Let roots of licorice and also seeds of fennel be added.

35.18 Coquantur omnēs herbae in aquā atque vīnō albō. Let all the herbs be cooked in water and white wine.

35.19 Dulcius fit medicāmentum atque sine melle esset. The medicine becomes sweeter than it would be without honey.

35.20 Simul atque decoctum refrīgerātur, colātur. As soon as the decoction cools, let it be strained.

35.21 Trēs unciae sumantur māne atque vesperī. Let three ounces be taken in the morning and in the evening.

35.22 Efficācius agit potio atque pilulae agunt. The potion acts more effectively than pills act.

35.23 Misceantur oleum amygdalārum atque cēra alba. Let oil of almonds and also white wax be mixed.

35.24 Praeparātur ūnguentum ex adipē porcī atque resīnā. The ointment is prepared from pig fat and resin.

35.25 Simul atque dolor redit, applicētur emplastrum. As soon as the pain returns, let the plaster be applied.

35.26 Melius est remēdium recēns atque vetus. A fresh remedy is better than an old one.

35.27 Servētur medicīna in vāse fīctilī atque opertō. Let the medicine be kept in an earthen and covered vessel.

35.28 Addātur mel atque succus citri ad sapōrem. Let honey and moreover lemon juice be added for taste.

35.29 Fortior fit effectus atque exspectābātur. The effect becomes stronger than was expected.

35.30 Simul atque aeger convālēscit, minuātur dōsis. As soon as the patient recovers, let the dose be reduced.

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Part C (Latin Text Only)

35.16 Recipe flōrēs chamomillae atque foliā menthae.

35.17 Addantur rādīcēs glycyrrhīzae atque sēmina foeniculi.

35.18 Coquantur omnēs herbae in aquā atque vīnō albō.

35.19 Dulcius fit medicāmentum atque sine melle esset.

35.20 Simul atque decoctum refrīgerātur, colātur.

35.21 Trēs unciae sumantur māne atque vesperī.

35.22 Efficācius agit potio atque pilulae agunt.

35.23 Misceantur oleum amygdalārum atque cēra alba.

35.24 Praeparātur ūnguentum ex adipē porcī atque resīnā.

35.25 Simul atque dolor redit, applicētur emplastrum.

35.26 Melius est remēdium recēns atque vetus.

35.27 Servētur medicīna in vāse fīctilī atque opertō.

35.28 Addātur mel atque succus citri ad sapōrem.

35.29 Fortior fit effectus atque exspectābātur.

35.30 Simul atque aeger convālēscit, minuātur dōsis.

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Part D (Grammar Explanation for Medical Recipe Genre)

Specialized Uses of Atque in Medical Prescriptions

In pharmaceutical Latin, atque serves specific functions that reflect the precision required in medical formulations:

1. Ingredient Combinations When atque connects ingredients, it often indicates they work synergistically: -

"flōrēs chamomillae atque foliā menthae" - these herbs complement each other's therapeutic properties -

"oleum amygdalārum atque cēra alba" - essential components that must be combined for proper consistency

2. Sequential Instructions Medical recipes use atque to emphasize that both actions are crucial: -

"māne atque vesperī" - both timing points are therapeutically important -

"in vāse fīctilī atque opertō" - both qualities (earthen AND covered) are necessary for proper storage

3. Comparative Effectiveness In medical contexts, atque after comparatives indicates clinical superiority: -

"efficācius agit potio atque pilulae agunt" - liquid form has superior bioavailability -

"melius est remēdium recēns atque vetus" - freshness affects potency

4. Temporal Precision with Simul Atque Medical timing requires exactness: -

"simul atque dolor redit" - immediate response to symptom return -

"simul atque aeger convālēscit" - precise timing for dosage adjustment

Common Recipe Formulations

Imperative Constructions: -

"Recipe" (take) + accusatives connected by atque -

Third person subjunctive passives: "addantur," "misceantur," "servētur"

Measurement Expressions: -

Specific quantities before atque: "trēs unciae...māne atque vesperī" -

Proportional relationships emphasized by atque

Quality Specifications: -

Paired adjectives: "fīctilī atque opertō" (both qualities required) -

Contrasting qualities: "recēns atque vetus" (fresh rather than old)

Pharmaceutical Latin Conventions

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Formal Recipe Structure: -

Recipe (R/) - the command to take -

Ingredients linked by atque when synergistic -

Preparation method -

Dosage instructions -

Storage Instructions: Often use atque to specify multiple requirements: -

Container type AND closure method -

Temperature AND light conditions -

Temporal Markers: -

"simul atque" for immediate actions -

Time intervals connected by atque for regular dosing

Translation Considerations

When translating medical recipes: -

Atque between ingredients = "and" (implying combination) -

Atque in instructions = "and also" (both steps essential) -

Atque after comparatives = "than" (clinical comparison) -

Simul atque = "as soon as" (immediate action required)

This precision in pharmaceutical Latin continues in modern prescription abbreviations and formal pharmacopeias, where the exact relationship between components matters for therapeutic efficacy and patient safety.

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About This Course

This lesson is part of the Latinum Institute's innovative Latin reading course, designed specifically for autodidacts learning Latin with a focus on medical, pharmaceutical, and botanical applications. The course employs the "construed reading" method, which has proven highly effective for independent learners since the Renaissance period.

The Latinum Institute, under the direction of Evan der Millner BA MA (Cantab. NZ, London), has been creating online language learning materials since 2006. Millner, a classicist and linguist, developed this approach based on historical language teaching methods that enabled scholars to rapidly acquire reading proficiency in Latin.

Course Methodology

Drawing from the pedagogical traditions described at latinum.substack.com and latinum.org.uk, these lessons feature: -

Granular Interlinear Translation: Each word is glossed individually in Part A, allowing learners to build vocabulary systematically -

Progressive Difficulty: Moving from word-by-word analysis to complete sentences to Latin-only text -

Authentic Syntax: Parts B and C present natural Latin word order as used by Roman authors -

Comprehensive Grammar: Part D provides detailed explanations tailored for English speakers -

Cultural Context: Part E connects language learning to historical and practical applications -

Literary Examples: Part F uses authentic ancient texts with detailed analysis

Why This Method Works for Autodidacts

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No Prior Knowledge Required: The extreme granularity of Part A means complete beginners can start immediately 35.16 Recipe take flōrēs flowers chamomillae of chamomile atque and foliā leaves menthae of mint

35.17 Addantur let be added rādīcēs roots glycyrrhīzae of licorice atque and also sēmina seeds foeniculi of fennel

35.18 Coquantur let them be cooked omnēs all herbae herbs in in aquā water atque and vīnō wine albō white

35.19 Dulcius sweeter fit becomes medicāmentum medicine atque than sine without melle honey esset it would be

35.20 Simul as soon atque as decoctum decoction refrīgerātur cools, colātur let it be strained

35.21 Trēs three unciae ounces sumantur let be taken māne in morning atque and vesperī in evening

35.22 Efficācius more effectively agit acts potio potion atque than pilulae pills agunt act

35.23 Misceantur let be mixed oleum oil amygdalārum of almonds atque and also cēra wax alba white

35.24 Praeparātur is prepared ūnguentum ointment ex from adipē fat porcī of pig atque and resīnā resin

35.25 Simul as soon atque as dolor pain redit returns, applicētur let be applied emplastrum plaster

35.26 Melius better est it is remēdium remedy recēns fresh atque than vetus old

35.27 Servētur let be kept medicīna medicine in in vāse vessel fīctilī earthen atque and opertō covered

35.28 Addātur let be added mel honey atque and moreover succus juice citri of lemon ad for sapōrem taste

35.29 Fortior stronger fit becomes effectus effect atque than exspectābātur was expected

35.30 Simul as soon atque as aeger patient convālēscit recovers, minuātur let be reduced dōsis dose

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