AN OVERVIEW OF EPONYMS IN THE LATIN MEDICAL TERMINOLOGICAL SYSTEM
AN OVERVIEW OF EPONYMS IN THE LATIN MEDICAL TERMINOLOGICAL SYSTEM

Summary/Abstract: This research aims to present a comprehensive classification of eponyms within Latin medical terminology, based on the type of proper name from which they are derived (referred to as “thematic classification”) and the various patterns of eponym formation (referred to as “structural classification”). The thematic classification reveals four primary groups: 1) Eponyms derived from anthroponyms (personal names); 2) Eponyms derived from toponyms (geographical objects); 3) Eponyms derived from ethnonyms (names of ethnic groups); and 4) Eponyms derived from chrematonyms (brand names). In addition, the structural classification identifies two main categories: 1) Main eponyms; and 2) Subordinate eponyms. The research employs lexicographical excerption and analysis as its primary methods. The primary source of information is “Nova Terminologia Medica Polyglota et Eponymica” (“New Medical and Eponymic Terminology in Seven Languages”) by Petya George Arnaudov. Though there is much discussion about the difficulties of using eponyms as units in specialized medical language, they remain an integral part of it and their use in practice should be precise. If not examined in detail, the large number of eponyms increases the likelihood of errors occurring during communication.

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