Hippocrates is probably the most famous doctor who has ever practiced. The reproduction shown here is a representation of an age, a Roman copy from the 4th century B. C., exhibited in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale in Naples, Italy.
Hippocrates of Kos, 460 - 370 B. C., offspring of an old doctor's family,
who attributed her family tree to the god of salvation Asklepios, was the founder of scientific medicine. With Hippocratic medicine came the renunciation of religious-magical ideas and the application of a rational explanation of all processes concerning human health and illness. Diseases were no longer regarded as being sent from God, but as caused by explainable causes, e. g. environmental influences.
His theory of juice theory continued to operate in a slightly modified form into the 19th century.
The Hippocratic doctors saw their task in supporting the efforts to restore health (physis) in the human organism in case of illness. Precise observation of the patient's bedside and an individual approach to each patient's physical condition provided them with valuable assistance ("prognostikon"). Their therapeutic measures were essentially limited to dietary and naturopathic prescriptions. In surgery, bone surgery was performed in particular.
Among the Hippocratic writings is the text of an oath sworn by the gods Apollon, Asklepios, Hygieia and Panakeia. At the end of this oath, there are rules on the conduct of physicians which, with minor changes since ancient times, could be regarded as the ethical basis of the profession of doctor.
The replica on offer from the National Museum in Naples, Italy, has been reduced in size.
