Kitap 5
10.54
Arguments, then, may be drawn from definition, sometimes called finitio and sometimes finis. Definition is of two kinds. We may ask whether a particular quality is a virtue or make a definition precede and ask what is the nature of a virtue. Such a definition is either stated in general terms, such as Rhetoric is the science of speaking well, or in detail, such as Rhetoric is the science of correct conception, arrangement and utterance, coupled with a retentive memory and a dignified delivery. Further,
10.55
we may define a word by giving its content as in the preceding instances, or by etymology: we may for instance explain assiduus Paulus (exc. Fest.) gives the following explanation of this absurd derivation, for which Cicero tells that Aelius Stilo was responsible: Some think that assiduus was originally the epithet applied to one who served in the army at his own expense, contributing an as ( i.e. instead of receiving it)! by deriving it from as and do, locuples locheples ( wealthy ) is derived from locus = the posses sors of many places. by deriving it from copia locorum, pecuniosus pecuniosus ( moneyed ) is derived from pecus = rich in herds. from copiapecorum. Genus, species, difference and property seem more especially to afford scope for definition, for we derive arguments from all of these.
