Classics Notes test 2

Celsus

A Roman writer from the middle of the first century CE known for his work 'On Medicine'.

Regimen

Lifestyle changes related to diet and exercise in medicine as per Celsus.

Pharmacology

The use of drugs to restore health, one of the three divisions of medicine according to Celsus.

Surgery

Considered a last resort in medicine due to associated risks; emphasized by Celsus.

Hippocrates

An ancient physician to whom Celsus attributes advancements in surgical techniques.

Traumatic combat wounds

A focus of surgical procedures detailed by Celsus.

Cataracts

Eye diseases discussed by Celsus, which can be evaluated for surgical treatment.

Scalpels

Specialized tools mentioned by Celsus used for incising flesh during surgical procedures.

Divine Influence

Refers to beliefs in healing interventions attributed to gods, as noted in various inscriptions.

Hermodicus of Lampsacus

An example cited by Celsus reflecting ancient health beliefs and divine intervention.

Indo-European Medes

Migrants to Northwestern Persia around the Tenth Century BCE influencing Persian culture.

Achaemenid Dynasty

The dynasty founded by Cyrus I, noted for relations with Greeks.

Alexander the Great

Conqueror who ended the Achaemenid dynasty and established the Seleucid dynasty.

Zoroastrianism

The predominant religion in ancient Persia influencing health beliefs.

Ahura Mazda

The supreme god in Zoroastrianism associated with healing.

Angra Mainyu

The evil spirit in Zoroastrianism related to chaos and disease.

Sushruta Samhita

A foundational medical text in ancient Indian medicine attributed to Sushruta.

Ayurveda

The traditional Indian system of medicine emphasizing balance of body, mind, and environment.

Five Elements Theory

Concept in Ayurveda that includes fire, water, air, earth, and ether affecting health.

Three Humors

Bile, phlegm, and wind in Ayurveda related to bodily functions and health issues.

Dissection

An empirical method emphasized in ancient Indian medicine for learning anatomy.

Chinese medicine

A vast field characterized by both rational and mythological elements.

Acupuncture

A traditional Chinese medical practice involving needle insertion to treat various ailments.

Yin and Yang

A fundamental concept in Chinese medicine representing opposing forces that need balance.

Empiricism

A methodology in medicine focusing on observation and documented experiences over theoretical causes.

Herophilus

An ancient figure credited with several anatomical advancements and dissection practices.

Erasistratus

A pioneer who distinguished between different parts of the brain and heart anatomy.

Maat

The concept of balance and order that underpinned Ptolemaic legitimacy in medicine.

Isis

An Egyptian goddess associated with healing, reflecting cultural syncretism in ancient medicine.

Ptolemaic Egypt

A historical period in Egypt characterized by a blend of traditional and Hellenistic medicine.

Sarapis

A healing deity representing a blend of Greek and Egyptian religious beliefs.

C-sections

A surgical procedure for childbirth that historically faced high maternal mortality rates.

Midwives

Female healers who assisted in childbirth, possessing various essential skills and knowledge.

Drekapoteke

Foul materials used in treatments reflecting ancient views on menstrual pollution.

Silphium

An ancient contraceptive plant noted for its effectiveness and scarcity.

Rudra

A deity associated with inflicting pain, whose worship was invoked in healing rituals.

Pangenesis

An ancient belief suggesting both male and female contributions to conception.

Plato's Description

Refers to comments about midwives that highlight their unique knowledge of herbs and rituals.

Hippocratic Oath

An ethical guideline for physicians, historically disregarded regarding contraception in some societies.

Feminine Health Discussions

Historical dialogues that reveal a male-centric view of female health and its implications.

Healing Rituals

Practices that combine supernatural and natural elements for health restoration.

Papyri

Ancient writings that provide insights into medical practices and beliefs of the time.

Caraka Samhita

An ancient Indian text detailing Ayurvedic medical practices and beliefs.

Surgical Instruments

Tools and devices used in ancient medicine for various procedures.

Galen

Later scholar who compiled knowledge from earlier physicians, including Herophilus.

Natural Philosophy

An area of study historical figures like Aristotle influenced for the development of medical theory.

Cataract Surgery

A detailed surgical procedure described by Celsus focusing on pre-and post-operative care.

Aristotle

The philosopher whose ideas greatly influenced the development of medical thought.

Hellenistic Culture

A cultural period following Alexander the Great characterized by a blend of Greek and Near Eastern influences.

Cultural Narratives

Stories that illustrate how societal beliefs and practices shape medical understandings.

Symbolic Cleansing

A focus on purifying rituals rather than pharmacological effectiveness in treatments.