HISTORY OF MEDICINE

The earliest forms of medicine date back to prehistoric times. They mainly involved spiritual practices and natural remedies made from plants and minerals.

The Egyptians developed medical practices that were relatively advanced for their times. They perfected such things as bandaging, treating wounds and performing surgery. The Greeks and Romans made significant advances. Hippocrates, often considered the father of medicine, introduced concepts such as medical ethics and observing symptoms. Galen, a Greek physician and philosopher from the 2nd century, made important contributions to medicine, particularly in the fields of anatomy, physiology and pharmacology with his theory of humours, which was based on that of Hippocrates.

In the Middle Ages, medicine became increasingly influenced by religion. Monasteries served as healthcare centres, with monks copying out medical manuscripts and tending the sick.

The Renaissance brought a revival of interest in science, and medicine was very much part of this period of discovery. Anatomists such as Andreas Vesalius carried out dissections, revolutionising our understanding of the human body, while Paracelsus, an alchemist physician, introduced new chemical and pharmacological approaches.

Medicine is a reflection of the evolution of human knowledge and societal needs. Each chapter in its history has opened the way to new discoveries and innovative approaches.