supplementum

A supplementum is a Latin term meaning "supplement" or "addition." In academic and scholarly contexts, it is most commonly used in the nomenclature of academic publications, particularly in the humanities and natural sciences. A work designated as a supplementum is intended to provide additional material that complements a primary, often larger, publication.

These supplements serve several key purposes. They can extend a core study with new data, appendices, transcriptions of primary source documents, or detailed catalogues that could not be accommodated in the main volume. For instance, a supplementum to a major archaeological report might contain high-resolution photographs, complete pottery inventories, or specialized analytical reports. Similarly, a supplementum to a critical edition of a text could include variant readings or extensive commentary.

The publication may be labeled as "Supplementum I," "Supplementum II," and so on when part of a series. This practice is prevalent in long-term research projects or serial publications like academic journals and monograph series published by universities or scholarly societies. By issuing a supplementum, publishers and authors can ensure that valuable ancillary information is made available to the academic community without disrupting the structure or length limitations of the principal work. This system helps maintain the integrity of the main publication while still providing a platform for comprehensive supporting evidence.