In the context of prescriptions, various terms are used to describe different parts of the prescription. The part of the prescription that means "take thou" is known as the Superscription. Let's break down the roles of the given options to understand why Superscription is the correct answer:
- Superscription: This is the component of a prescription that often begins with the symbol "℞" or "Rx". The symbol stands for the Latin word "recipe," which translates to "take thou" or "take this." Hence, the Superscription is the correct answer as it directs the pharmacist to take the ingredients and compounds as instructed.
- Subscription: This part of the prescription provides specific instructions regarding the preparation and compounding of the medication. It usually contains details like the amount and the type of dosage form.
- Inscription: This section specifies the names and quantities of the ingredients to be included in the medication. It details the composition of the drug.
- Signatura (or Signa): Derived from the Latin for "write" or "label," this section provides directions to the patient, explaining how they should take the medication, typically including dosage, timing, and route of administration.
Therefore, given the explanation above, the correct part of the prescription that translates to "take thou" is Superscription.