This lesson introduces Hippocrates of Kos, the historical setting in which he worked, and the medical school associated with his name. It also distinguishes what is reasonably known from what later tradition attributed to him.
Hippocrates lived around 460–370 BC and was born on the Greek island of Kos. He is also called Hippocrates II, in distinction from his grandfather, Hippocrates I. He belonged to the classical Greek period and became one of the most influential figures in the history of medicine.
All flashcards
Hippocratic Corpus
A collection of roughly seventy ancient medical works associated with Hippocrates but written by multiple authors.
Hippocratic Oath
An ancient text on medical ethics that influenced later professional codes, despite rarely being used in its original form today.
Prognosis
An estimate of how an illness is likely to develop and what its outcome may be.
Vis medicatrix naturae
The idea that the body's natural capacity to recover should be supported by treatment.
Hippocratic face
A change in facial appearance associated in ancient medical descriptions with death or severe, prolonged illness.
Quiz questions
Which ancient Greek medical school emphasized diagnosing and distinguishing among diseases?Answer: The Knidian school.
What is the best-supported conclusion about authorship of the Hippocratic Corpus?Answer: It contains works by multiple authors, and no particular treatise is confirmed as Hippocrates's own.
What was a central purpose of prognosis in Hippocratic medical practice?Answer: To anticipate how an illness might develop and prepare patients and families.
How has the Hippocratic Oath influenced medical practice over time?Answer: It influenced later professional oaths, codes, and laws about medical conduct.
Which procedure is described in the Hippocratic tradition for treating chest-wall abscesses?Answer: Draining them with tubes.
Based on the Wikipedia article Hippocrates, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.