Lesson 77: Latin for Medics, Pharmacists and Herbalists

aliquis, aliqua, aliquod/aliquid - someone, something, some, any

Introduction

The indefinite pronoun aliquis, aliqua, aliquod (adjective form) or aliquid (neuter substantive form) means "someone, something, some, any." This versatile word is essential for medical and pharmaceutical texts where we often need to express indefinite quantities, unknown substances, or general references to patients or conditions.

Definition: Aliquis is an indefinite pronoun that can function both as an adjective (modifying a noun) and as a substantive (standing alone). When used after si, nisi, num, or ne, it often drops the ali- prefix to become simply quis, qua, quid.

FAQ Schema

Q: What does aliquis mean in Latin? A: Aliquis means "someone, something, some, any" and is used to refer to indefinite persons or things in Latin medical, pharmaceutical, and herbalist texts.

Usage in This Lesson

In our examples, you'll see aliquis used in various medical contexts: referring to unknown patients, unidentified herbs, some remedies, or any symptoms. The word adapts its form based on case, gender, and number, making it crucial for precise medical communication.

Educational Schema

• Subject: Latin Language Learning

• Level: Intermediate

• Focus: Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Herbalist Terminology

• Lesson Type: Reading Comprehension with Grammar Integration

• Learning Objective: Master the use of indefinite pronouns in medical Latin contexts

Key Takeaways

• aliquis changes form based on gender, case, and number

• After si, nisi, num, ne, it becomes quis, quid

• Essential for expressing uncertainty or generality in medical texts

• Can function as both adjective and pronoun

• Frequently appears in prescriptions and diagnostic descriptions

Part A (Interleaved English and Latin Text)

77.1 Aliquis someone medicus physician herbam herb novam new invēnit discovered

77.2 Si if quid anything dolōris of pain sentīs you feel, dīc tell mihi me

77.3 Pharmacopola pharmacist aliquod some remedium remedy parāvit prepared

77.4 Aliqua some mulier woman gravida pregnant auxilium help quaerit seeks

77.5 Nisi unless quis someone medicus physician veniat comes, aeger patient perībit will perish

77.6 Herbārius herbalist aliquās some rādīcēs roots siccās dry vēndit sells

77.7 Num whether quid anything venēnī of poison in in pōtiōne potion est is?

77.8 Aliquī some morbī diseases facile easily sānantur are healed

77.9 Dā give mihi to me aliquod some medicāmentum medicine contrā against febrem fever

77.10 Si if quem anyone dolōre with pain capitis of head labōrantem suffering vidēs you see, mittē send ad to mē me

77.11 Aliquid something pūtridum rotten in in vulnere wound invēnimus we found

77.12 Chirurgus surgeon aliquibus to some aegris patients opem aid tulit brought

77.13 Nē lest qua any herba herb toxica toxic miscētur be mixed cum with aliīs others

77.14 Aliquod some antidotum antidote statim immediately sumendum must be taken est is

77.15 Apothecārius apothecary aliquot several pilulās pills aurō with gold obductās coated fēcit made

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Part B (Complete Natural Sentences)

77.1 Aliquis medicus herbam novam invēnit. A certain physician discovered a new herb.

77.2 Si quid dolōris sentīs, dīc mihi. If you feel any pain, tell me.

77.3 Pharmacopola aliquod remedium parāvit. The pharmacist prepared some remedy.

77.4 Aliqua mulier gravida auxilium quaerit. Some pregnant woman seeks help.

77.5 Nisi quis medicus veniat, aeger perībit. Unless some physician comes, the patient will perish.

77.6 Herbārius aliquās rādīcēs siccās vēndit. The herbalist sells some dry roots.

77.7 Num quid venēnī in pōtiōne est? Is there any poison in the potion?

77.8 Aliquī morbī facile sānantur. Some diseases are easily healed.

77.9 Dā mihi aliquod medicāmentum contrā febrem. Give me some medicine against fever.

77.10 Si quem dolōre capitis labōrantem vidēs, mittē ad mē. If you see anyone suffering from headache, send them to me.

77.11 Aliquid pūtridum in vulnere invēnimus. We found something rotten in the wound.

77.12 Chirurgus aliquibus aegris opem tulit. The surgeon brought aid to some patients.

77.13 Nē qua herba toxica miscētur cum aliīs. Let no toxic herb be mixed with others.

77.14 Aliquod antidotum statim sumendum est. Some antidote must be taken immediately.

77.15 Apothecārius aliquot pilulās aurō obductās fēcit. The apothecary made several gold-coated pills.

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Part C (Latin Text Only)

77.1 Aliquis medicus herbam novam invēnit.

77.2 Si quid dolōris sentīs, dīc mihi.

77.3 Pharmacopola aliquod remedium parāvit.

77.4 Aliqua mulier gravida auxilium quaerit.

77.5 Nisi quis medicus veniat, aeger perībit.

77.6 Herbārius aliquās rādīcēs siccās vēndit.

77.7 Num quid venēnī in pōtiōne est?

77.8 Aliquī morbī facile sānantur.

77.9 Dā mihi aliquod medicāmentum contrā febrem.

77.10 Si quem dolōre capitis labōrantem vidēs, mittē ad mē.

77.11 Aliquid pūtridum in vulnere invēnimus.

77.12 Chirurgus aliquibus aegris opem tulit.

77.13 Nē qua herba toxica miscētur cum aliīs.

77.14 Aliquod antidotum statim sumendum est.

77.15 Apothecārius aliquot pilulās aurō obductās fēcit.

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Part D (Grammar Explanation)

Grammar Rules for Aliquis

The indefinite pronoun aliquis, aliqua, aliquod/aliquid follows these patterns:

Declension of Aliquis (Adjective Form)

Masculine:

• Nominative: aliquis (someone)

• Genitive: alicuius (of someone)

• Dative: alicui (to someone)

• Accusative: aliquem (someone)

• Ablative: aliquō (by/with someone)

Feminine:

• Nominative: aliqua (someone/some)

• Genitive: alicuius (of someone)

• Dative: alicui (to someone)

• Accusative: aliquam (someone)

• Ablative: aliquā (by/with someone)

Neuter:

• Nominative: aliquod (some)

• Genitive: alicuius (of something)

• Dative: alicui (to something)

• Accusative: aliquod (some)

• Ablative: aliquō (by/with something)

Plural Forms

Masculine:

• Nominative: aliquī (some)

• Genitive: aliquōrum (of some)

• Dative: aliquibus (to some)

• Accusative: aliquōs (some)

• Ablative: aliquibus (by/with some)

Feminine:

• Nominative: aliquae (some)

• Genitive: aliquārum (of some)

• Dative: aliquibus (to some)

• Accusative: aliquās (some)

• Ablative: aliquibus (by/with some)

Neuter:

• Nominative: aliqua (some things)

• Genitive: aliquōrum (of some things)

• Dative: aliquibus (to some things)

• Accusative: aliqua (some things)

• Ablative: aliquibus (by/with some things)

Special Note: When used as a substantive (standing alone), the neuter singular uses aliquid instead of aliquod.

Common Mistakes

1. Confusing aliquod vs. aliquid: Use aliquod when modifying a neuter noun (aliquod remedium), but aliquid when standing alone (aliquid invēnī - "I found something").

2. Forgetting the quis form: After si, nisi, num, ne, the prefix ali- drops: si quis (not si aliquis).

3. Gender agreement: Remember that aliquis must agree with the gender of the noun it modifies or represents.

4. Case confusion: The genitive, dative, and ablative singular forms are identical across all genders (alicuius, alicui).

Comparison with English

Unlike English "some/any," which remain unchanged, Latin aliquis changes form based on:

• Case: its function in the sentence

• Gender: matching the noun it modifies

• Number: singular or plural

• Context: becoming quis after certain conjunctions

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Identify the context: Is aliquis after si, nisi, num, or ne? If yes, use quis form.

2. Determine function: What role does it play? (subject = nominative, object = accusative, etc.)

3. Check gender: What gender is the noun it modifies or represents?

4. Apply the correct form: Use the appropriate declension based on the above factors.

Grammatical Summary

aliquis functions as:

• Indefinite pronoun: referring to unspecified persons/things

• Adjective: modifying nouns with indefinite meaning

• Substantive: standing alone as "someone/something"

• Conditional element: changing to quis in conditional contexts

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Part E (Cultural Context)

In Roman medical practice, the use of indefinite pronouns like aliquis was crucial for several reasons:

Medical Uncertainty: Ancient physicians often dealt with unknown conditions and substances. The phrase "si quis morbus" (if any disease) appears frequently in medical texts, acknowledging diagnostic limitations.

Pharmaceutical Formulations: Roman pharmacists used aliquid when referring to base ingredients that could vary. Recipes might specify "aliquod oleum" (some oil), allowing flexibility based on availability.

Patient Privacy: Medical writers used aliquis to protect patient identity in case studies, much like modern "Patient X" designations.

Herbal Medicine: Herbalists employed indefinite pronouns when discussing plants with multiple varieties. "Aliqua herba solanaceae" might refer to any plant from the nightshade family.

Legal Medical Language: Roman medical law used precise indefinite constructions. "Si quis medicus" (if any physician) began many legal stipulations about medical practice.

Toxicology: The phrase "ne quid veneni" (lest any poison) was standard in pharmaceutical preparation, emphasizing safety protocols.

For English speakers learning medical Latin, understanding these cultural uses helps interpret historical medical texts and appreciate how Roman medical professionals communicated uncertainty and maintained flexibility in their practice.

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Part F (Literary Citation)

From Celsus, De Medicina 3.4.1:

Part F-A (Interleaved Text)

Si if quis anyone autem however ex from his these febribus fevers labōrat suffers, et and aliquid something cibi of food dēsīderat desires, potius rather interdictō during the prohibited time quam than aegrō while sick tempore time dare to give oportet it is proper; nam for et both facilius more easily feret he will bear it et and minus less nocēbit it will harm.

Part F-B (Complete Translation)

Si quis autem ex his febribus labōrat, et aliquid cibi dēsīderat, potius interdictō quam aegrō tempore dare oportet; nam et facilius feret et minus nocēbit.

If anyone suffers from these fevers and desires some food, it is better to give it during the remission than during the acute phase; for he will both tolerate it more easily and it will cause less harm.

Part F-C (Literary Analysis)

Celsus demonstrates the medical use of indefinite pronouns in diagnostic contexts. The construction "si quis... labōrat" (if anyone suffers) shows the universal applicability of medical advice. The use of "aliquid cibi" (some food) reflects the physician's flexibility in dietary prescriptions, acknowledging that specific foods might vary based on availability and patient preference.

Part F-D (Grammatical Notes)

• si quis: The indefinite pronoun drops "ali-" after "si"

• aliquid cibi: Neuter substantive with partitive genitive

• labōrat: Present indicative showing ongoing condition

• dēsīderat: Present tense indicating current desire

• dare oportet: Impersonal construction meaning "it is proper to give"

• facilius... minus: Comparative adverbs showing medical reasoning

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Genre Section: Medical Prescription

Part A (Interleaved Text)

77.16 Recipe take aliquod some oleum oil rosārum of roses cum with cerā wax albā white

77.17 Si if qua any īnflammātiō inflammation appāret appears, adde add aliquid something mellis of honey

77.18 Aliquot several guttās drops tincturae of tincture papāveris of poppy īnstillā instill

77.19 Nē lest quid anything nocīvum harmful puerō to the child dētur be given, dilue dilute medicāmentum medicine

77.20 Aliquibus to some aegris patients haec this pōtiō potion bis twice diē daily danda must be given est is

77.21 Sūme take aliquam some partem part rādīcis of root glycyrrhizae of licorice contrā against tussim cough

77.22 Si if quis any dolor pain restat remains, auge increase dōsim dose paulātim gradually

77.23 Herbārius herbalist aliqua some folia leaves menthae of mint recentis fresh praeparat prepares

77.24 Nisi unless quid something obstāt prevents, ūtere use hōc this emplāstrō plaster nocte at night

77.25 Aliquod some unguentum ointment lenīmentī soothing vulnerī to the wound applicā apply

77.26 Pharmacopola pharmacist aliquās some species spices prō for dēcoctiōne decoction miscet mixes

77.27 Num whether quae any contrāindicātiō contraindication tibi to you nōta known est is?

77.28 Aliquī some sūcī juices herbārum of herbs melius better māne in morning sūmuntur are taken

77.29 Dā give aegrō to patient aliquid something levāmentī of relief quam as celerrimē quickly as possible

77.30 Si if quod any remedium remedy nōn not prōdest helps, mūtā change cūrātiōnem treatment

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Part B (Complete Natural Sentences)

77.16 Recipe aliquod oleum rosārum cum cerā albā. Take some rose oil with white wax.

77.17 Si qua īnflammātiō appāret, adde aliquid mellis. If any inflammation appears, add some honey.

77.18 Aliquot guttās tincturae papāveris īnstillā. Instill several drops of poppy tincture.

77.19 Nē quid nocīvum puerō dētur, dilue medicāmentum. Lest anything harmful be given to the child, dilute the medicine.

77.20 Aliquibus aegris haec pōtiō bis diē danda est. This potion must be given to some patients twice daily.

77.21 Sūme aliquam partem rādīcis glycyrrhizae contrā tussim. Take some portion of licorice root against cough.

77.22 Si quis dolor restat, auge dōsim paulātim. If any pain remains, increase the dose gradually.

77.23 Herbārius aliqua folia menthae recentis praeparat. The herbalist prepares some fresh mint leaves.

77.24 Nisi quid obstāt, ūtere hōc emplāstrō nocte. Unless something prevents it, use this plaster at night.

77.25 Aliquod unguentum lenīmentī vulnerī applicā. Apply some soothing ointment to the wound.

77.26 Pharmacopola aliquās species prō dēcoctiōne miscet. The pharmacist mixes some spices for a decoction.

77.27 Num quae contrāindicātiō tibi nōta est? Is any contraindication known to you?

77.28 Aliquī sūcī herbārum melius māne sūmuntur. Some herbal juices are better taken in the morning.

77.29 Dā aegrō aliquid levāmentī quam celerrimē. Give the patient some relief as quickly as possible.

77.30 Si quod remedium nōn prōdest, mūtā cūrātiōnem. If any remedy doesn't help, change the treatment.

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Part C (Latin Text Only)

77.16 Recipe aliquod oleum rosārum cum cerā albā.

77.17 Si qua īnflammātiō appāret, adde aliquid mellis.

77.18 Aliquot guttās tincturae papāveris īnstillā.

77.19 Nē quid nocīvum puerō dētur, dilue medicāmentum.

77.20 Aliquibus aegris haec pōtiō bis diē danda est.

77.21 Sūme aliquam partem rādīcis glycyrrhizae contrā tussim.

77.22 Si quis dolor restat, auge dōsim paulātim.

77.23 Herbārius aliqua folia menthae recentis praeparat.

77.24 Nisi quid obstāt, ūtere hōc emplāstrō nocte.

77.25 Aliquod unguentum lenīmentī vulnerī applicā.

77.26 Pharmacopola aliquās species prō dēcoctiōne miscet.

77.27 Num quae contrāindicātiō tibi nōta est?

77.28 Aliquī sūcī herbārum melius māne sūmuntur.

77.29 Dā aegrō aliquid levāmentī quam celerrimē.

77.30 Si quod remedium nōn prōdest, mūtā cūrātiōnem.

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Part D (Grammar Explanation for Medical Prescriptions)

In medical prescriptions, aliquis serves specific pharmaceutical functions:

Dosage Flexibility

Medical texts use indefinite pronouns to allow physician discretion:

• aliquod oleum (some oil) - quantity determined by practitioner

• aliquot guttae (several drops) - approximate rather than exact measurement

• aliqua pars (some portion) - flexible dosing

Conditional Applications

The si quis/quid construction is vital for medical conditions:

• si qua īnflammātiō (if any inflammation) - conditional treatment

• si quis dolor (if any pain) - symptom-based dosing

• nisi quid obstāt (unless something prevents) - contraindication awareness

Patient Variability

Different patients require different approaches:

• aliquibus aegris (to some patients) - acknowledging individual differences

• num quae contrāindicātiō (whether any contraindication) - safety screening

Common Prescription Patterns

1. Recipe + aliquod + accusative: Standard opening for flexible recipes

2. Si quid + genitive: Conditional ingredient additions

3. Aliquibus + dative: Patient-specific instructions

4. Nē quid + subjunctive: Safety warnings

Comparison with Modern Prescriptions

Unlike modern precise measurements, Roman prescriptions used indefinite quantities allowing:

• Practitioner expertise in dosing

• Adjustment for ingredient potency variations

• Patient-specific modifications

• Seasonal herb strength differences

This flexibility required skilled pharmacists who understood the implied ranges within "aliquod" and could adjust preparations based on patient needs and available materials.

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About this Course

This lesson is part of the Latinum Institute Latin Reading Course, a comprehensive series designed for autodidactic learners seeking to master Latin through authentic texts. Created by Evan der Millner BA MA (Cantab. NZ, London), who has been developing innovative online language learning materials since 2006, these lessons employ the construed text method proven effective for independent study.

The course structure, detailed at latinum.substack.com and latinum.org.uk, emphasizes:

• Granular interlinear glossing in Part A, allowing beginners to see exact word correspondences

• Natural Latin syntax in Parts B and C, exposing learners to authentic Roman writing patterns

• Comprehensive grammar explanations tailored for English speakers

• Cultural contextualization connecting ancient practices to modern understanding

• Literary citations from genuine Latin authors, not simplified texts

Each lesson builds systematically on previous vocabulary and grammar, using spaced repetition and varied contexts to reinforce learning. The medical, pharmaceutical, and herbalist focus provides practical vocabulary for those interested in historical medicine, botanical Latin, or modern scientific nomenclature.

The Latinum Institute's approach differs from traditional textbooks by immediately immersing students in real Latin texts while providing extensive support. This method has helped thousands of autodidacts achieve reading fluency without formal classroom instruction.

For more resources and information about Evan der Millner and the Latinum Institute's pioneering work in online classical language education, visit the websites mentioned above or search for Latinum Institute publications and reviews online.

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