Prooemia w rzymskich tekstach naukowych

Abstract

The present article gives an overview of studies concerning the subject of introductions to Latin scientific texts. It also discusses the specifics of the Ancient concept of “scientific literature” and “specialist texts,” and particularly the fact of adhering by such pieces of writing to the rules of rhetoric. The principles of rhetoric invention corresponding to introductions are juxtaposed with theoretical works by Cicero and Quintilian. The article presents a classification of introductions, indicates examples of the oratorical strategies implemented therein, to conclude with a brief analysis of a proem to Saturnalia by Macrobius, which constitutes a proof of topicality and development of the convention that gave rise to introductions to Ancient scientific works.