NAMES OF PLANTS AND THEIR HEALING EFFECTS IN MEDICINAE EX HOLERIBUS ET POMIS BY GARGILIUS MARTIALIS

Abstract

Introduction. The present text is analyzing parts of the Latin treaty dedicated to the healing nature of plants. The text Medicinae ex Holeribus et Pomis by Gargillius Martialis is a compilation of names of plants and their effects on human body. We could try to identify a relation between the plant’s name and its use regarding the disease in relation with its qualities. The treaty occupies an important place in the medial ancient literature as it gives a picture for the knowledge of herbs and their classification as mediations. Purpose. The text aims to discuss some plants names used in the treaty for depicting their characteristics and qualities and how they could serve for healing a certain disease. Materials and methodology. The descriptive method is used in comparison with translation of the names in modern English. Citations from the original text are inserted in Latin to illustrate the what characteristics are typical for to each plant and what are the effects provoked in the body. Results. Latin names of plants refer to modern names that predominantly originate of Latin or Greek. The fact is that these plants are still popular and the relation of their medical use in the past and modern studies about them reveals the historical developments of classification and use. Conclusions. The text of Gargilius Martialis is witnessing some very important things about names of plants, theirs cultivation and use. Nevertheless, medial methods and treatments rely on experience and observation, we are likely to admit that a scientific approach is present, because this work is an analytical study of pharmaceutical properties.