Birth Of Medicine

Question 1

Who was the first recorded physician in history?

Answer 1

Imhotep (2600 BC)

Question 2

Why was Imhotep an important figure in Ancient Egyptian medicine?

Answer 2

He authored a medical treatise, known as the Edwin Smith Papyrus, which contained anatomical observations, ailments and cures

Question 3

Who is considered the father of Medicine and why?

Answer 3

~ Hippocrates (460-370 BC)
~ Because he laid the foundation for a rational approach to medicine, dismissing the idea that illness was mystical, instead stating disease was a product of environmental factors, diet and living habits

Question 4

What three main things did Hippocrates invent?

Answer 4

~ Humorism theory (human body filled with four humours: black bile, yellow bile, phlegm and blood, and any disease was due to an excess or deficit of one of humours)
~ First description of clubbing of the fingers (Hippocratic fingers) which are an important diagnostic sign in chronic suppurative lung disease, lung cancer and cyanotic heart disease
~ Setting out the duties and responsibilities of doctors, the Hippocratic Oath

Question 5

What does the Hippocratic Oath introduce?

Answer 5

~ The notion of free access to care
~ The principle of beneficence (acting in interest of patient)
~ The principle of non-maleficence (not harming patient)
~ The principle of confidentiality

Question 6

In the distant past what did Medicine consist of?

Answer 6

~ A few remedies made from plants, animal parts and crushed minerals
~ Spiritualism (invoking gods or spirits)
~ Shamanism (idea that an individual could cure you using mystical powers)