Of the Epidemics

by Hippocrates

""Of The Epidemics"" is a collection of medical writings by the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, who is often referred to as the father of modern medicine. The book is a compilation of observations and theories about the nature, causes, and treatments of epidemics that plagued ancient Greece. Hippocrates believed that epidemics were caused by natural factors such as climate, water, and food, rather than supernatural or divine forces. He also emphasized the importance of hygiene, diet, and exercise in preventing and treating diseases. The book is divided into seven parts, each of which describes a different epidemic that Hippocrates encountered and treated. He provides detailed accounts of the symptoms, progression, and outcomes of each epidemic, as well as the treatments he used. Although some of the medical practices described in ""Of The Epidemics"" may seem outdated or ineffective by modern standards, it is still considered a valuable historical document and a testament to the pioneering work of Hippocrates in the field of medicine.Case i. Charion, who was lodged at the house of Demaenetus, contracted a fever from drinking. Immediately he had a painful heaviness of the head; did not sleep; bowels disordered, with thin and somewhat bilious discharges. On the third day, acute fever; trembling of the head, but especially of the lower lip; after a little time a rigor, convulsions; he was quite delirious; passed the night uncomfortably. On the fourth, quiet, slept little, talked incoherently. On the fifth, in pain; all the symptoms exacerbated; delirium; passed the night uncomfortably; did not sleep. On the sixth, in the same state. On the seventh had a rigor, acute fever, sweated all over his body; had a crisis.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Genres: Medicine, Classics

48 pages, Paperback

Published June 17, 2004

About the author

Hippocrates of Cos or Hippokrates of Kos (ca. 460 BC – ca. 370 BC) was an ancient Greek physician of the Age of Pericles, and was considered one of the most outstanding figures in the history of medicine. He is referred to as the "father of medicine" in recognition of his lasting contributions to the field as the founder of the Hippocratic School of medicine. This intellectual school revolutionized medicine in ancient Greece, establishing it as a discipline distinct from other fields that it had traditionally been associated with (notably theurgy and philosophy), thus making medicine a profession.

However, the achievements of the writers of the Corpus, the practitioners of Hippocratic medicine, and the actions of Hippocrates himself are often commingled; thus very little is known about what Hippocrates actually thought, wrote, and did. Nevertheless, Hippocrates is commonly portrayed as the paragon of the ancient physician. In particular, he is credited with greatly advancing the systematic study of clinical medicine, summing up the medical knowledge of previous schools, and prescribing practices for physicians through the Hippocratic Oath and other works.

Reviews

[Kai · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is mainly a collection of case studies of those affected by various fevers and what courses their illnesses took.