The multiple meanings of ancient zoological terms

Abstract

Many terms currently in use in the scientific language derive from classical Greek or Latin words. Some are employed with the same spelling, such as hypophysis (Greek) or species (Latin), some slightly or largely modified. The identity or resemblance between the classical term and the modern one may give the impression that they are the "same" term and that they have the same meaning, but this is very often misleading. Etymology is not identity. Very often, not to say almost always, the term "borrowed" from a language that was in use 2000 (or more) years ago experienced a modification in its sense, which may have transported it quite far away from the original connotation or even meaning of the word. This is well shown by the present work by Liliane Bodson. A member of the Belgian Royal Academy, she is a specialist of ancient Greek and Roman views on zoology and the relationships between humans and animals, with a particular emphasis on herpetology (amphibians and reptiles) and the works of Aristotle.