Roman Medicine By Tara Krumenacker

Medicinal Beliefs in General The Romans blended scientific theory adopted from the Greeks and their own religious superstitions to form the style of medicine that existed in the empire.

Greek Influence Most scientific background came from Grecian work Hippocrates Greek physician known as the “Father of Modern Medicine” Responsible for the modern Hippocratic Oath “Primum est non nocere”: First of all, do no harm An ideal followed by Roman physicians Corpus Hippocraticum A collection of around 70 medical writings Essential for the Romans

Religious Influence There was a strong belief in the gods’ role in healing and disease Disease could be the result of upsetting the gods If someone was cured, they must have regained favor Aesculapius Greco-Roman god of medicine “Asclepieion”: healing temples Some journeyed to these temples to be healed Prayed and made offerings and sacrifices

Military Influence The society of Ancient Rome was highly militaristic and disciplined This slowly led to more structured and organized medical practice More practical approaches taken and more documentation Military medicine gave way to the first hospitals Injuries incurred by the soldiers led to quicker medical advancement in war hospitals than the rest of the empire

Hospitals First developed for the army “Valetudinarium” Military required centralized, organized care “Valetudinarium” Military hospitals Gave more structure to medical practices Previously were largely varied and inconsistent from physician to physician

Doctors in Society Doctor: “Medicus” In general, two different kinds of doctors existed in Rome Those who served aristocracy Received a better reputation Paid high rates by their employers Those who served general public Given a less than honorable reputation Typically had little education and were freed Greek slaves Took advantage of the poor to amass wealth Use of unethical methods to attract patients Procedures done on the street

Training for Doctors During the Republic Physicians only received training through apprenticeship During the Empire (under Emperor Augustus) Army Medical School Doctors couldn’t practice medicine unless they passed, raising the quality of care Set a standard for the knowledge and ability of physicians

Medicines Medicines created by Roman physicians often had little merit, though some were actually effective (“remidium”=remedy) Anesthetics Opium Henbane Mandrake Herbs Fenugreek for pneumonia Silphium for birth control Elcampane for digestive health Antidotes Typically absurd solutions Ex. Dried hyena skin helped eradicate the effects of a mad-dog bite

Surgery Roman doctors were able to successfully carry out many surgeries Procedures: Tumor removal Hernia repair Cataract surgery Plastic surgery Trepanation Practices: Though they didn’t fully understand germs, Roman doctors sterilized surgical tools through boiling They also cleaned wounds with antiseptic (acetum)

Tools and Instruments Physicians used many tools similar to those used in modern medicine: Scalpel Arterial clamps Bone drills Catheters Bone forceps

General Health in Ancient Rome Overall health in Ancient Rome was higher than in other places Due to good sanitation and hygiene system Aqueducts: fresh water Sewage: waste removal Roman baths: hygiene

References http://www.crystalinks.com/romemedicine.html http://www.dl.ket.org/latin1/mores/medicine/