Translated by Roland G. Kent
Varro’s De lingua latina libri (On the Latin Language) was originally formed of 25 Books, of which six books (V–X) survive, though partly mutilated. It is believed the complete work was a monumental achievement of scholarship, typical of the author’s interest not only in antiquarian matters but also in the collection of scientific facts. The text consisted of three parts: etymology of Latin words (I-VII); their inflexions and other changes (VIII-XIII); and syntax (XIV-XXV). The extant text includes a section applying to the etymology of words of time and place and poetic expressions (V-VI). There also remains a section on analogy as it occurs in word formation (VII-IX) and a section concerning analogy to word derivation (X-XII). The book, in spite of its fragmentary state, is an invaluable resource for information on the study and origin of the Latin language, offering a rare insight into the application of Roman antiquarian studies.