History of Western Medicine

May 10, 2013 09:00

Today, we only had one engineering class in the morning outlining a brief history of western medicine. Hippocrates was considered the "Father of Medicine" and viewed the subject as a rational science finally distinguished from magic and superstition. A holistic approach was based on the four humors: fire, air, earth and water. Despite the focus on this rational science, dissection was forbidden and considered unethical; thus, any diagnosis and knowledge about medicine was purely based on bodily fluids.

Herophilos was a greek physician better known as the "Father of Anatomy". He pioneered the scientific method and truly believed that physical and mental health (wisdom) would lead to a better life. Herophilos was the first scientist to perform dissections of human cadavers; he was the first to measure the pulse; and he understood that the brain was the source of human thought.

Galen of Pergamon was a Roman physician who's thoughts dominated the field of medicine for over 1,500 years. Galen believed that pneuma, a substance inhaled from the universe, flowed through the veins. Galen was also a surgeon to gladiators for three years. Although the physician made many valid statements, there were many incorrect ones as well. Unfortunately, it wouldn't be until 1488 until his views were challenged.