From the book
Stobaeus, Volume I
John Stobaeus · Diotimos Editions · 2026
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At a Glance
- The wordGramma is a written character or letter and, in broader uses, something written.
- In StobaeusThe Cratylus excerpt connects the name of the body with its keeping or preserving the soul, and stresses that the explanation requires no change of a letter.
- In this edition“Letter” is appropriate for the individual character; “writing” would lose the point of the wordplay.
- A place to beginAn explanation of sōma emphasizes that no letter need be altered.
- English renderings
- letter; written character
Meaning
Gramma is a written character or letter and, in broader uses, something written. The smallest written unit can become important in arguments about names.
Use in the book
The Cratylus excerpt connects the name of the body with its keeping or preserving the soul, and stresses that the explanation requires no change of a letter. The claim concerns the closeness of the proposed verbal connection. It is part of an ancient etymological interpretation, not proof of the historical origin of the word.
Places to read
- I.41.9.2An explanation of sōma emphasizes that no letter need be altered.
Translation in this edition
“Letter” is appropriate for the individual character; “writing” would lose the point of the wordplay.
Source note
Wachsmuth, volume I, printed pp. 292. The Orphic explanation is reported within the dialogue’s discussion of names and should retain that attribution and setting.