h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Dear All,

I was reading an old book I found and there is an inscription printed on the first page. I thought it was latin but I'm not sure. I have tried to translate it but I can't find anything on the Internet. The book is called 'Africa in modern history'. It might be portugese, or it could be an obscure African language but it does sound familiar.

"amicis carissimis
gentilissimis magistris"

The book is written by Basil Davidson.

With best wishes,

Rod

It looks vaguely Latin; probably one of the Romance languages.

I think it means something like "dear friends, gentle masters."

I'm sure someone who can tell you for certain will show up in due course.

Noggin

I would say it's definitely Latin-based, and probably Latin, but I'm not a scholar of Latin so don't listen to me. It doesn't look like Portuguese. The first word probably has something to do with "friend" but I'm not sure, and the last word has something to do with law and/or teaching (judging by the root of the word), and that's the extent of my knowledge.

Okay, ignore me; listen to Noggin.

It's certainly Latin, and essentially means "Dearest of friends, kindest of teachers"

It is Latin...something along the lines of "to dearest friends and gentlest masters," although the second line is up for some debate.

Hmmm...I like the "kindest of teachers" better. Go with that.

Thank you all very much, you have been a great help! I was just curious to know what it meant.

Cheers!

Rod

>>amicis carissimis<<

from
amicis carissimis....... ova dura et salutem.

translates to

To the beloved friends..... hard-boiled eggs and greeting.

>>gentilissimis magistris<<

gentilissimis no translation // magistris…. common name

i'm with mycroft...

dearest friends....kindest teachers

alec.