Latin

When I was a kid, the doctors still used to write in Latin.

Why?

And when did it cease?

Re: Latin

When I was a kid I had to spend three years learning Latin. As it happened it was the only language I was any good at (12th compared to 30th or bottom in French and German).

The main feature of Latin was the brilliant book we had to read - 'The Illiad', so exciting that you had to learn the damn language to find out what happened next.

Re: Latin

But when did the docs stop having to use it Bruce?
Did the Oz docs write it too?

Re: Latin

They are a strange lot Doctors. I didn't know they stopped writing in Latin Mups, still looks alien to me 'cos I can never figure out a word of what they write. Maybe they are like Surgeons who wear masks during operations, then when they make a blunder nobody knows who's fault it was.

Re: Latin

amo
amam
amas
amamus
amatis.
amant.............if I remember correctly.
What a waste of time that was when I could have been learning Physics.
Sorry Mups, I digressed.

Re: Latin

Absolutely no idea at all.

Re: Latin

It was a power thing. Same as priests using Latin, knowing the congregation were too ignorant to understand it.

Re: Latin

It hasn't ceased, Mups. Docs still write abbreviations for Latin instructions on scripts but these are printed in English by the pharmacist on the tablet boxes.

As for why they use it, heaven knows! Maybe it is supposed to add to the mystery of medicine...

Re: Latin

Sorry Bruce, but the Iliad was written in Greek. Perhaps you were taught to read the Aeneid which was certainly written Latin by Vergil.

Re: Latin

amo
amas
amat
amamus
amatis:
amant

....almost there Alan