Ablative of Association/Instrument

[Terry S.]

In Learn to Read Latin by Keller & Russell, the three basic functions of the ablative are listed as: separation, association/instrument, location. I understand that the Latin ablative became a dumping ground for the functions of the I-E instrumental and locative cases, but what I don't understand is why the authors link such different functions as association and instrument so closely. Had there been a list of four clearly distinct functions I probably wouldn't have had my curiosity aroused.

separation - proper to the ablative
instrument - from the instrumental case
location - from the locative case

Where does the association association come from? My scalp is nearly raw from all the head-scratching.

 

[Clemens]

In Learn to Read Latin by Keller & Russell, the three basic functions of the ablative are listed as: separation, association/instrument, location. I understand that the Latin ablative became a dumping ground for the functions of the I-E instrumental and locative cases, but what I don't understand is why the authors link such different functions as association and instrument so closely. Had there been a list of four clearly distinct functions I probably wouldn't have had my curiosity aroused.

separation - proper to the ablative
instrument - from the instrumental case
location - from the locative case

Where does the association association come from? My scalp is nearly raw from all the head-scratching.

Ultimately, it's probably because the instrumental case was used for such things when it still existed. Nevertheless, according to Harkness, it's because all the ablative uses that fall under the instrumental subtype are dealing with attendant circumstances, attendant people or things, attendant qualities, etc.

 

[Terry S.]

Harkness: which book is that?

 

[Clemens]

Harkness: which book is that?

A Complete Latin Grammar, by Albert Harkness, published in 1898.

 

[Terry S.]

Many thanks!

 

[Clemens]

Many thanks!

I had a physical copy when I was in high school, but now I use a pdf. I'm sure it's on archive.org.

 

[Terry S.]

Got it. Thanks again.