Ancient Science and Medicine Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Ancient Science and Medicine - Essay Example Hippocrates was born in 460 B.C. He is also known as the father of spine surgery. His heritage of knowledge and methodology has extended to almost all branches of modern medicine. He stressed his medical practice on observation and the study of human body and thus Hippocrates made the new changes in medical science by accepting the rational notions. Before that the base of medical science was religious beliefs. But he began the very sophisticated and rational method of observing the human body for diagnosing the diseases. Hippocrates and his school followed the holistic concept combining scientific thought with drug therapy, diet schedules and physical and mental exercise. Hippocrates and other Greek doctors used to believe that a doctor should be kept separate from the work done by a priest. Thus Apart from prayers and worship of God for curing the diseases he focused on the change in diet, the useful and advantageous drugs. Maintaining the balance in the body is the key for good he alth according to Hippocrates. Hippocrates treatise called â€Å"On Medicines† is the major work in history of the ancient Greek thoughts. It is a key document to study the medicine in early period and so this treatise has influenced many historians of philosophy as it contains the relevance to the 3rd century B.C. Hippocrates always believed that while treating the diseases it is essential to consider the whole human body and not just a series of parts. He was the first physician who accurately described the diseases. He also described the symptoms of pneumonia and epilepsy in children and stressed upon the natural remedial process like rest, good balanced and proper diet, fresh air and hygiene. He also explained that the seriousness of injury depends upon the individual differences. Some individuals are strong enough to cope with the diseases while some are weak. Hippocrates was the first physician who attacked on the traditional