From the book
Stobaeus, Volume I
John Stobaeus · Diotimos Editions · 2026
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At a Glance
- The wordGlōssa and glōtta are forms of the same word for tongue, also capable of denoting language.
- In StobaeusMomus describes the prospective human being as talkative with the tongue while listing other intrusive uses of the senses.
- In this edition“Tongue” retains the organ; “language” would be inappropriate in these anatomical constructions.
- A place to beginTalkativeness accompanies other forms of intrusive human inquiry.
- English renderings
- tongue; language
Meaning
Glōssa and glōtta are forms of the same word for tongue, also capable of denoting language. The bodily context is primary here.
Use in the book
Momus describes the prospective human being as talkative with the tongue while listing other intrusive uses of the senses. The tongue therefore stands for articulate speech within a criticism of unchecked curiosity. In the taste passages it has a different, directly sensory role.
Places to read
- I.49.44.52Talkativeness accompanies other forms of intrusive human inquiry.
- I.55.2.9The tongue’s condition is central to the account of sweetness.
Translation in this edition
“Tongue” retains the organ; “language” would be inappropriate in these anatomical constructions.
Source note
Wachsmuth, volume I, printed pp. 399–400, 495. The spelling variation does not establish two distinct organs or faculties.