CS 2902A: Ancient Medicine - Sources & Problems

30 vocabulary flashcards focusing on key terms and definitions related to Ancient Medicine, including sources, practices, and philosophical views.

BCE

Before the Common Era.

CE

Common Era.

Galenism

Galen's view on the authenticity of Hippocrates and the value of treatises.

Medical Pluralism

The existence of multiple medical systems or healers in a given culture.

Experiential Medicine

Medical practices based on personal experience and oral traditions.

Treatise

A systematic, detailed written discourse on a specific subject.

Papyri

Ancient manuscripts written on papyrus material.

Codex

An ancient manuscript in book form, as opposed to a roll.

Empirical Works

Texts based on observation and experience rather than theory.

Causation

The action of causing something; seeking a single entity causing a disease.

Reductionism

The approach of reducing complex phenomena to their simplest components.

Social Context of Medicine

Understanding the patient and their society in relation to health.

Cultural Norms

Shared standards or guidelines that dictate what is considered normal behavior within a culture.

Disruption to Communal Sphere

A breach in the social order requiring restoration of health or social harmony.

Anthropological Approach

Examining the relationship between disease, patient, and healer within cultural contexts.

Biases of Scribes

The effects of scribes' interpretations and changes during transcription on historical medical texts.

Isolationist View

A perspective that neglects contributions from diverse medical practices and views.

Legitimate Sources

Written texts, artifacts, and physical evidence that provide insights into ancient medicine.

Hippocrates,

Often referred to as the 'Father of Medicine,' although this view is debated.

Statues and Reliefs

Physical representations of individuals that can provide insights into ancient beliefs.

Health Definition (Anthropological)

Health is seen as a balance between people, nature, and the supernatural.

Physicians

Health care practitioners in ancient times, referred to as iatros in Greek.

Surgical Practices

Medical procedures related to surgery, notably performed by ancient surgeons.

Obstetricians

Health care providers specializing in childbirth, known as maia in Greek.

Disease Classification

The categorization of illnesses based on cultural perceptions of health.

Community Cohesion

The state of social stability and harmony within a community.

Archaeological Evidence of Disease

Physical remnants indicating health issues in ancient populations.

Medical Definition of Disease

Health condition defined as a deviation from the norm.

Ancient Health Care Practitioners

A variety of healers in ancient societies, including physicians, midwives, and shamans.

Consultation Factors

Economic, geographic, and perceptual factors influencing healer selection.

Artifacts

Objects created by human beings, important for understanding ancient cultures.

Reduction

separate the pathogen from the patient to facilitate accurate diagnosis and treatment.