Difference between revisions of "Hippocrates"

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However, the achievements of the practitioners of Hippocratic medicine, and the actions of Hippocrates himself are often commingled. There is very little known about Hippocrates himself and the ''de facto'' tenants that he taught. Hippocrates is commonly portrayed as the paragon of the ancient physician, credited with coining the noew famous Hippocratic Oath, still in use today. He is also credited with greatly advancing the systematic study of clinical medicine as a scientific discipline, summing up the medical knowledge of all previous schools, and prescribing practices for physicians through the Hippocratic Corpus.
 
However, the achievements of the practitioners of Hippocratic medicine, and the actions of Hippocrates himself are often commingled. There is very little known about Hippocrates himself and the ''de facto'' tenants that he taught. Hippocrates is commonly portrayed as the paragon of the ancient physician, credited with coining the noew famous Hippocratic Oath, still in use today. He is also credited with greatly advancing the systematic study of clinical medicine as a scientific discipline, summing up the medical knowledge of all previous schools, and prescribing practices for physicians through the Hippocratic Corpus.
  
As it relates to psychiatry in particular, Hippocrates was one of first westerns to theorize the existence of mental health, In contrast to the general population, he refused to believe that individuals with mental illness were possessed by spirits, or that a god was responsible for their erratic beahvior. This theory set the basis for all mental health procedures and practices in the centuries to follow. In art he is frequently paired with the latin physician [[Galen]].  
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As it relates to psychiatry in particular, Hippocrates was one of first clinican to theorize the existence of mental health as a medical condition. In contrast to the general population, and the common sense of ancient Greece, he refused to believe that individuals with mental illness were possessed by a variety of spirits, or that a vindictive god was responsible for their erratic beahvior. This theory set the basis for all mental health procedures and practices in the centuries to follow. However, while he correctly identifies this condition as somaitc in origin, he does not describe it as being a function of the central nervous system. Instead, he posits that it is a function of an imbalance of the body's natural humors which can be repositioned through bloodletting.
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In art he is frequently paired with the equally famous Latin physician [[Galen]].  
  
 
== Associated Links ==
 
== Associated Links ==

Revision as of 12:37, 13 February 2013

Hippocrates of Cos
Born 460 BC
Kos, Athenian Confederation
Died 377 BC
Larissa, Athenian Confederation
Nationality Greek
Other names Ἱπποκράτης
Occupation Physician
Known for Father of Medicine and Medical Treatment


Hippocrates (460 BC – c. 370 BC) was an ancient Greek physician, of the sge of classical Greece. He is considered one of the most outstanding figures in the history of western medicine. Hippocrates is referred to as the father of western medicine in recognition of his lasting contributions to the field as the founder of the 'Hippocratic School of Medicine'. This intellectual school revolutionized the view of the practice medicine in ancient Greece, establishing it as a professional discipline distinct from other fields that it had traditionally been associated with. Previously the treatment of the local ill was conducted by temple priests and the local apothecary.

Hippocrates speaking with fellow physician Galen

However, the achievements of the practitioners of Hippocratic medicine, and the actions of Hippocrates himself are often commingled. There is very little known about Hippocrates himself and the de facto tenants that he taught. Hippocrates is commonly portrayed as the paragon of the ancient physician, credited with coining the noew famous Hippocratic Oath, still in use today. He is also credited with greatly advancing the systematic study of clinical medicine as a scientific discipline, summing up the medical knowledge of all previous schools, and prescribing practices for physicians through the Hippocratic Corpus.

As it relates to psychiatry in particular, Hippocrates was one of first clinican to theorize the existence of mental health as a medical condition. In contrast to the general population, and the common sense of ancient Greece, he refused to believe that individuals with mental illness were possessed by a variety of spirits, or that a vindictive god was responsible for their erratic beahvior. This theory set the basis for all mental health procedures and practices in the centuries to follow. However, while he correctly identifies this condition as somaitc in origin, he does not describe it as being a function of the central nervous system. Instead, he posits that it is a function of an imbalance of the body's natural humors which can be repositioned through bloodletting.

In art he is frequently paired with the equally famous Latin physician Galen.

Associated Links