Lesson 58 Latin for Medics, Pharmacists and Herbalists

Tamen (nevertheless, still) & Enim (for, indeed)

Introduction

This lesson introduces two important Latin conjunctions: tamen (nevertheless, still, however) and enim (for, indeed, truly). These conjunctions are essential for understanding medical and pharmaceutical texts, as they frequently appear in descriptions of treatments, contraindications, and explanations of therapeutic effects.

Tamen is an adversative conjunction that introduces a contrast or exception to what has been previously stated. In medical contexts, it often appears when discussing unexpected results, exceptions to general rules, or alternative treatments.

Enim is an explanatory conjunction that provides reasons or justifications. It never begins a sentence in classical Latin but appears in second position. In medical and herbalist texts, it frequently introduces explanations for why certain treatments work or why specific precautions are necessary.

FAQ Schema

Q: What does tamen mean in Latin? A: Tamen means "nevertheless," "still," or "however." It introduces a contrasting statement that modifies or contradicts what was previously said.

Q: What does enim mean in Latin? A: Enim means "for" or "indeed." It provides explanations or reasons and always appears as the second word in its clause, never first.

Educational Schema

• Subject: Latin Language Learning

• Level: Intermediate

• Focus: Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Herbalist Latin

• Lesson Type: Reading comprehension with grammar instruction

• Target Audience: Medical professionals, pharmacists, herbalists, and autodidact learners

Key Takeaways

• Tamen introduces contrasts and exceptions in medical descriptions

• Enim provides explanations and never begins a sentence

• Both conjunctions are crucial for understanding the logical flow of medical texts

• Word order affects emphasis and meaning in Latin medical writing

• These conjunctions help express complex medical relationships and conditions

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Part A (Interleaved English and Latin Text)

58.1 Herbae herbs amarae bitter sunt are, tamen nevertheless aegrum the sick person sānant they heal

58.2 Medicus the physician enim for multa many remedia remedies nōvit knows

58.3 Dosis the dose parva small est is, vim power tamen nevertheless magnam great habet it has

58.4 Pharmacopola the pharmacist cautiōnem caution adhibet applies, venēna poisons enim for perīculōsa dangerous sunt are

58.5 Tamen nevertheless nōn not omnēs all morbī diseases cūrābilēs curable sunt are

58.6 Patiēns the patient dolōrem pain sentit feels, medicāmentum the medicine enim for nōndum not yet agit acts

58.7 Remedium the remedy antiquum ancient est is, efficāx effective tamen nevertheless

58.8 Herbārius the herbalist plantās plants colligit collects, tempus the time enim for idōneum suitable est is

58.9 Morbus the disease gravis serious erat was, sānātus healed est he was tamen nevertheless

58.10 Dēcoctum the decoction amārum bitter bibit he drinks, necessārium necessary est it is enim for

58.11 Symptōmata symptoms tamen nevertheless persistunt persist post after cūram treatment

58.12 Medicus the physician herbās herbs praescrībit prescribes, nātūrālia natural enim for remedia remedies prōsunt are beneficial

58.13 Toxicum the poison forte strong est is, ūtile useful tamen nevertheless in in parvīs small dosibus doses

58.14 Aeger the sick person jejūnat fasts, stomachum the stomach enim for vacuāre to empty oportet it is necessary

58.15 Tamen nevertheless aliquandō sometimes medicīna medicine nocet harms magis more quam than prōdest benefits

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Part B (Complete Natural Sentences)

58.1 Herbae amarae sunt, tamen aegrum sānant. The herbs are bitter, nevertheless they heal the sick person.

58.2 Medicus enim multa remedia nōvit. For the physician knows many remedies.

58.3 Dosis parva est, vim tamen magnam habet. The dose is small, nevertheless it has great power.

58.4 Pharmacopola cautiōnem adhibet, venēna enim perīculōsa sunt. The pharmacist applies caution, for poisons are dangerous.

58.5 Tamen nōn omnēs morbī cūrābilēs sunt. Nevertheless, not all diseases are curable.

58.6 Patiēns dolōrem sentit, medicāmentum enim nōndum agit. The patient feels pain, for the medicine does not yet act.

58.7 Remedium antiquum est, efficāx tamen. The remedy is ancient, nevertheless effective.

58.8 Herbārius plantās colligit, tempus enim idōneum est. The herbalist collects plants, for the time is suitable.

58.9 Morbus gravis erat, sānātus est tamen. The disease was serious, nevertheless he was healed.

58.10 Dēcoctum amārum bibit, necessārium est enim. He drinks the bitter decoction, for it is necessary.

58.11 Symptōmata tamen persistunt post cūram. The symptoms nevertheless persist after treatment.

58.12 Medicus herbās praescrībit, nātūrālia enim remedia prōsunt. The physician prescribes herbs, for natural remedies are beneficial.

58.13 Toxicum forte est, ūtile tamen in parvīs dosibus. The poison is strong, nevertheless useful in small doses.

58.14 Aeger jejūnat, stomachum enim vacuāre oportet. The sick person fasts, for it is necessary to empty the stomach.

58.15 Tamen aliquandō medicīna nocet magis quam prōdest. Nevertheless, sometimes medicine harms more than it benefits.

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Part C (Latin Text Only)

58.1 Herbae amarae sunt, tamen aegrum sānant.

58.2 Medicus enim multa remedia nōvit.

58.3 Dosis parva est, vim tamen magnam habet.

58.4 Pharmacopola cautiōnem adhibet, venēna enim perīculōsa sunt.

58.5 Tamen nōn omnēs morbī cūrābilēs sunt.

58.6 Patiēns dolōrem sentit, medicāmentum enim nōndum agit.

58.7 Remedium antiquum est, efficāx tamen.

58.8 Herbārius plantās colligit, tempus enim idōneum est.

58.9 Morbus gravis erat, sānātus est tamen.

58.10 Dēcoctum amārum bibit, necessārium est enim.

58.11 Symptōmata tamen persistunt post cūram.

58.12 Medicus herbās praescrībit, nātūrālia enim remedia prōsunt.

58.13 Toxicum forte est, ūtile tamen in parvīs dosibus.

58.14 Aeger jejūnat, stomachum enim vacuāre oportet.

58.15 Tamen aliquandō medicīna nocet magis quam prōdest.

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Part D (Grammar Explanation)

Grammar Rules for Tamen and Enim

Tamen (nevertheless, still, however) is an adversative conjunction that introduces a contrast or contradiction to the previous statement. Unlike English "however," which typically begins a sentence, tamen can appear in various positions within the Latin sentence, with each position creating different emphasis.

Position Rules for Tamen:

• Initial position (Tamen nōn omnēs morbī...): Strongest contrast, emphasizing the contradiction

• Second position (Morbus tamen gravis...): Standard placement, moderate emphasis

• Final position (efficāx tamen): Creates suspense, saving the contrast for the end

• After the word it modifies (vim tamen magnam): Directly contrasts that specific element

Enim (for, indeed) is a postpositive conjunction, meaning it NEVER begins a sentence but must be placed second. This is a fixed rule with no exceptions in classical Latin.

Position Rules for Enim:

• Always second position: Medicus enim multa remedia nōvit

• Cannot begin a sentence (unlike English "for")

• The first word often receives emphasis: stomachum enim vacuāre oportet

Common Mistakes

1. Placing enim first: English speakers often want to write "Enim medicus..." (incorrect) instead of "Medicus enim..." (correct)

2. Confusing tamen with English word order: English speakers expect "However, the herbs are bitter" but Latin prefers "Herbae amarae sunt, tamen..."

3. Using sed instead of tamen: While both mean "but," sed introduces direct opposition, while tamen introduces unexpected contrast

4. Forgetting enim is explanatory: Enim explains WHY something is true, not just that it IS true

Step-by-Step Guide for Using These Conjunctions

For Tamen:

1. Identify what you're contrasting against

2. Decide how strong the contrast should be

3. Place tamen accordingly (initial = strongest, final = dramatic, middle = standard)

4. Remember tamen can stand alone or with other conjunctions

For Enim:

1. Identify what needs explanation

2. Choose which word to emphasize (it goes first)

3. Place enim immediately after that first word

4. Never start a sentence with enim

Comparison with English

English "however" and "nevertheless" are more flexible in placement than Latin tamen. English can say:

• "However, the medicine works"

• "The medicine, however, works"

• "The medicine works, however"

Latin tamen has similar flexibility but with different emphasis patterns.

English "for" as a conjunction is archaic ("for he was sick"), while Latin enim is common and required for explanations. Modern English uses "because" or "since" where Latin uses enim.

Grammatical Summary

Tamen - Adversative conjunction

• Indeclinable

• Variable position

• Introduces contrast/exception

• Can be combined with et, sed, at

Enim - Explanatory conjunction

• Indeclinable

• Postpositive (always second)

• Provides reasons/explanations

• Never begins a sentence

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Part E (Cultural Context)

Medical and Pharmaceutical Context for English Speakers

In ancient Roman medical texts, tamen and enim play crucial roles in explaining the complexities of treatments and their effects. Understanding these conjunctions is essential for modern practitioners reading historical pharmaceutical texts, botanical descriptions, and medical treatises.

Tamen in Medical Contexts: Roman physicians frequently used tamen to describe paradoxical treatments - remedies that seemed contradictory but proved effective. For example, Celsus might note that a substance is poisonous, tamen (nevertheless) beneficial in small doses. This concept underlies the modern pharmaceutical principle that "the dose makes the poison."

Enim in Pharmaceutical Explanations: Ancient herbalists and physicians used enim to justify their prescriptions. When Pliny writes about a bitter herb being prescribed, he might add "necessārium est enim" (for it is necessary), explaining the medical reasoning. This explanatory function helps modern readers understand not just what was prescribed, but why.

Historical Medical Writing Patterns:

• Contradictions were common: "The patient is weak, tamen we must purge"

• Explanations followed observations: "The herb flowers at dawn, tempus enim optimum est" (for the time is optimal)

• Multiple treatments with caveats: "This helps fever, tamen not all fevers respond"

Modern Relevance: Understanding these conjunctions helps modern practitioners:

• Read historical pharmacopeias accurately

• Understand the reasoning in classical medical texts

• Appreciate the nuanced thinking of ancient healers

• Translate botanical and medical manuscripts correctly

The careful use of tamen shows that ancient physicians recognized exceptions and contradictions in medicine - a sophistication sometimes overlooked. Similarly, enim reveals their desire to explain and justify treatments rationally, not merely prescribe by tradition.

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Part F (Literary Citation)

From Celsus, De Medicina 2.33:

Part F-A (Interleaved Text)

Vīnum wine aegris to the sick saepe often nocet harms, saepe often tamen nevertheless prōdest benefits. Itaque therefore medicus the physician prūdēns prudent nōn not statim immediately negat denies nec nor statim immediately dat gives, sed but tempus the time et and modum the manner morbī of the disease cōnsīderat considers. Corpus the body enim for dēbile weak interdum sometimes vīnō by wine reficitur is restored, interdum sometimes magis more dēbilitātur is weakened. Febris fever acūta acute vīnum wine respuit rejects, sed but languor weakness post after febrem fever saepe often vīnī of wine auxiliō by the help levātur is relieved.

Part F-B (Complete Translation)

Vīnum aegris saepe nocet, saepe tamen prōdest. Itaque medicus prūdēns nōn statim negat nec statim dat, sed tempus et modum morbī cōnsīderat. Corpus enim dēbile interdum vīnō reficitur, interdum magis dēbilitātur. Febris acūta vīnum respuit, sed languor post febrem saepe vīnī auxiliō levātur.

Wine often harms the sick, yet often benefits them. Therefore, a prudent physician neither immediately denies nor immediately gives it, but considers the time and nature of the disease. For a weak body is sometimes restored by wine, sometimes weakened more. Acute fever rejects wine, but weakness after fever is often relieved by the help of wine.

Part F-C (Literary Analysis)

Celsus demonstrates masterful use of both tamen and enim in this medical passage. The opening paradox (nocet...tamen prōdest) immediately establishes the complex nature of wine as medicine. The conjunction tamen here doesn't merely contrast but introduces a medical paradox that requires wisdom to navigate.

The enim in "Corpus enim dēbile" provides the medical reasoning for the physician's caution. Celsus uses it to explain why careful consideration is necessary - because the same substance can have opposite effects depending on the patient's condition.

Part F-D (Grammatical Notes)

• saepe...saepe: Repetition emphasizes the dual nature

• tamen: Positioned after saepe for balanced contrast

• nōn statim...nec statim: Parallel negative construction

• enim: In typical second position, explaining the physician's caution

• interdum...interdum: Another parallel structure showing alternatives

• sed: Direct contrast between fever's rejection and post-fever benefit

• Complex medical reasoning expressed through careful conjunction use

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Genre Section: Medical Recipe/Prescription

Part A (Interleaved Text)

58.16 Ad for tussim cough siccam dry: mel honey et and thymum thyme miscē mix, ācer sharp est it is sapor the taste tamen nevertheless juvat it helps

58.17 Succus juice enim for thymī of thyme pectorī to the chest prōdest benefits

58.18 Tamen nevertheless sī if tussis cough cum with sanguine blood est is, abstinē abstain

58.19 Dēcoctum decoction faciēs you will make sīc thus: aquam water enim for calidam hot adhibēre to apply oportet it is necessary

58.20 Herbam the herb siccam dry ūtēris you will use, potentior more powerful est it is tamen nevertheless recēns fresh

58.21 Patientī to the patient ter three times diē a day dabis you will give, jejūnus fasting enim for melius better sorbet absorbs

58.22 Symptōmata symptoms tamen nevertheless post after hebdomadam a week sī if manent remain, medicum physician cōnsule consult

58.23 Dosim dose augēre to increase cavē beware, toxica toxic enim for in in magnīs large quantitātibus quantities fit it becomes

58.24 Infāns infant dimidiam half partem portion accipiet will receive, corpus body tamen nevertheless parvum small fortiter strongly reagit reacts

58.25 Saccharum sugar enim for sapōrem taste ēmendat corrects sed but vim power medicāmentī of the medicine nōn not minuit diminishes

58.26 Tamen nevertheless diabēticīs to diabetics sine without saccharō sugar praebē provide

58.27 Stomachus stomach vacuus empty sit should be, cibus food enim for absorptiōnem absorption impedit hinders

58.28 Remedium remedy per through decem ten diēs days sūme take, brevior shorter cūra treatment tamen nevertheless interdum sometimes sufficit suffices

58.29 Āērem air frīgidum cold vītā avoid, calor warmth enim for cūrātiōnī to healing favet favors

58.30 Tamen nevertheless omnibus to all aegrīs sick people nōn not convenit it suits haec this mixtiō mixture

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Part B (Complete Natural Sentences)

58.16 Ad tussim siccam: mel et thymum miscē, ācer est sapor tamen juvat. For dry cough: mix honey and thyme; the taste is sharp, nevertheless it helps.

58.17 Succus enim thymī pectorī prōdest. For the juice of thyme benefits the chest.

58.18 Tamen sī tussis cum sanguine est, abstinē. Nevertheless, if the cough is with blood, abstain.

58.19 Dēcoctum faciēs sīc: aquam enim calidam adhibēre oportet. You will make a decoction thus: for it is necessary to apply hot water.

58.20 Herbam siccam ūtēris, potentior est tamen recēns. You will use the dry herb; nevertheless, fresh is more powerful.

58.21 Patientī ter diē dabis, jejūnus enim melius sorbet. You will give to the patient three times a day, for when fasting one absorbs better.

58.22 Symptōmata tamen post hebdomadam sī manent, medicum cōnsule. Nevertheless, if symptoms remain after a week, consult a physician.

58.23 Dosim augēre cavē, toxica enim in magnīs quantitātibus fit. Beware of increasing the dose, for it becomes toxic in large quantities.

58.24 Infāns dimidiam partem accipiet, corpus tamen parvum fortiter reagit. An infant will receive half a portion; nevertheless, a small body reacts strongly.

58.25 Saccharum enim sapōrem ēmendat sed vim medicāmentī nōn minuit. For sugar corrects the taste but does not diminish the power of the medicine.

58.26 Tamen diabēticīs sine saccharō praebē. Nevertheless, provide it to diabetics without sugar.

58.27 Stomachus vacuus sit, cibus enim absorptiōnem impedit. The stomach should be empty, for food hinders absorption.

58.28 Remedium per decem diēs sūme, brevior cūra tamen interdum sufficit. Take the remedy for ten days; nevertheless, a shorter treatment sometimes suffices.

58.29 Āērem frīgidum vītā, calor enim cūrātiōnī favet. Avoid cold air, for warmth favors healing.

58.30 Tamen omnibus aegrīs nōn convenit haec mixtiō. Nevertheless, this mixture does not suit all sick people.

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Part C (Latin Text Only)

58.16 Ad tussim siccam: mel et thymum miscē, ācer est sapor tamen juvat.

58.17 Succus enim thymī pectorī prōdest.

58.18 Tamen sī tussis cum sanguine est, abstinē.

58.19 Dēcoctum faciēs sīc: aquam enim calidam adhibēre oportet.

58.20 Herbam siccam ūtēris, potentior est tamen recēns.

58.21 Patientī ter diē dabis, jejūnus enim melius sorbet.

58.22 Symptōmata tamen post hebdomadam sī manent, medicum cōnsule.

58.23 Dosim augēre cavē, toxica enim in magnīs quantitātibus fit.

58.24 Infāns dimidiam partem accipiet, corpus tamen parvum fortiter reagit.

58.25 Saccharum enim sapōrem ēmendat sed vim medicāmentī nōn minuit.

58.26 Tamen diabēticīs sine saccharō praebē.

58.27 Stomachus vacuus sit, cibus enim absorptiōnem impedit.

58.28 Remedium per decem diēs sūme, brevior cūra tamen interdum sufficit.

58.29 Āērem frīgidum vītā, calor enim cūrātiōnī favet.

58.30 Tamen omnibus aegrīs nōn convenit haec mixtiō.

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Part D (Grammar Explanation for Medical Recipe Genre)

Specialized Uses in Medical Prescriptions

In medical recipes and prescriptions, tamen and enim serve specific technical functions:

Tamen in Medical Contexts:

1. Contraindications: "Nevertheless, if blood is present..."

2. Alternative preparations: "Dry herb works, nevertheless fresh is better"

3. Individual variations: "Standard dose, nevertheless infants need less"

4. Warnings about exceptions: "Helps most, nevertheless not all patients"

Enim in Pharmaceutical Instructions:

1. Explaining preparation methods: "Use hot water, for it extracts better"

2. Justifying dosage timing: "Give when fasting, for absorption improves"

3. Reasoning for warnings: "Don't increase dose, for it becomes toxic"

4. Supporting therapeutic choices: "Add warmth, for it aids healing"

Imperative Mood with These Conjunctions

Medical Latin frequently uses imperatives (commands) with these conjunctions:

• miscē (mix!), abstinē (abstain!), cavē (beware!)

• dabis (you will give), sūme (take!)

• Tamen often follows imperatives to add warnings

• Enim explains why the command should be followed

Technical Vocabulary Patterns

Notice how medical terms interact with conjunctions:

• Dosage terms: dosis, pars, quantitās

• Timing terms: ter diē, per decem diēs, post hebdomadam

• Patient categories: infāns, diabēticīs, omnibus aegrīs

• Preparation methods: dēcoctum, miscē, siccam/recēns

Formula Structure in Medical Latin

Traditional medical prescriptions follow patterns:

1. Condition: Ad tussim siccam (for dry cough)

2. Ingredients: mel et thymum (honey and thyme)

3. Instructions: miscē (mix)

4. Qualifications: tamen/enim clauses for exceptions or explanations

This structure persists in modern prescription Latin abbreviations.

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About This Course

The Latinum Institute's Latin Reading Course has been carefully designed for autodidact learners seeking to master Latin through authentic, contextual reading. This particular series focusing on Latin for Medics, Pharmacists, and Herbalists provides specialized vocabulary and constructions essential for understanding historical medical and pharmaceutical texts.

The course methodology, developed by Evan der Millner BA MA (Cantab. NZ, London), employs the construed text method - a pedagogical approach that breaks down Latin sentences into their smallest meaningful units, providing word-by-word glosses that help learners build vocabulary and understand grammatical structures simultaneously. This method has proven particularly effective for self-directed learners since 2006, when der Millner began creating online language learning materials.

Each lesson follows a systematic structure:

• Part A provides extensively glossed interlinear translations for beginners

• Parts B and C present natural Latin syntax with and without translations

• Parts D, E, and F offer comprehensive grammatical, cultural, and literary context

• Genre sections expose learners to specialized forms of Latin writing

This approach differs from traditional grammar-translation methods by emphasizing immediate comprehension and contextual learning. Rather than memorizing paradigms in isolation, students encounter grammatical forms within meaningful medical and pharmaceutical contexts.

The Latinum Institute has been recognized for its innovative approach to classical language pedagogy. The materials are particularly valuable for:

• Medical professionals seeking to understand historical texts

• Pharmacists working with traditional nomenclature

• Herbalists studying classical botanical works

• Researchers in the history of medicine

• Autodidacts pursuing Latin for professional or personal enrichment

For more information about the complete curriculum and methodology, visit:

• latinum.substack.com

• latinum.org.uk

Citations and further reading about Evan der Millner and the Latinum Institute's pedagogical approach can be found through academic databases and online educational resources discussing innovative methods in classical language instruction.

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