Hippocrates of Kos, 460 - 370 BC, the most important doctor
of classical antiquity, the offspring of an ancient family of doctors,
Original Museum in Kos, the following link leads you directly to the original exhibit shown on flickr:
www.flickr.com/photos/bazylek/5872307206/
who traced her family tree back to the healing god Asklepios, was the founder of scientific medicine. With Hippocratic medicine, religious-magical ideas were turned away and a rational explanation of all processes concerning human health and illness was given. Diseases were no longer regarded as being sent by God, but as being caused by explainable causes, e.g. environmental influences.
His thesis on the theory of juices had a slightly modified form until the 19th century.
The Hippocratic doctors saw their task in supporting the human organism's efforts to restore health (physique) in the event of illness. Exact observation at the patient's bedside and dealing with the individual physique of each patient provided them with valuable help ("Prognostikon"). Their therapeutic measures were essentially limited to dietary and naturopathic prescriptions. In surgery, bone-surgical procedures were performed in particular.
Among the Hippocratic writings is the text of an oath sworn by the healing gods Apollon, Asklepios, Hygieia and Panakeia. At the end of this oath, regulations on medical action are laid down which, with minor changes since antiquity, could be regarded as the ethical basis of the medical profession.
Bust-size impression (52 cm high, 33 cm wide, 31 cm deep) of the larger-than-life statue, found on the island of Kos, near the Odeion ("concert house", roofed theatre building for musical performances). Exhibit of the museum in Kos.