À propos des sources du commentaire Lat A aux Aphorismes hippocratiques : la doctrine de la conception

Abstract

The present contribution explores the problem of the doctrinal context behind the origin of the oldest Latin commentary on the Hippocratic Aphorisms (Lat A). With this purpose, we study the doctrines that Lat A. shares with the Alexandrine commentary by Stephanus of Athens in two aspects: (a) the wind rose, which classifies them in two, four and twelve; b) the conception doctrine and the part of the embryo that is previously formed in the uterus. Lat A and Stephanus coincide in considering veins and arteries as the first ones to be formed so as to allow nourishment get to the embryo. Notwithstanding, it can be observed that some Latin materials, probably of Christian origin, are added to the Alexandrine tradition in which Lat A is rooted.

Keywords

• Late Latin medicine
• Stephanus of Athens
• Hippocratic Aphorisms
• Latin medical commentaries
• embryo formation