Today’s doctors may seem very different from their ancient counterparts, but there are surprising similarities. While we know a lot about past medical practices from old texts and artifacts, much of history remains mysterious. It’s easy to think that ancient doctors were clueless, and while they did lack modern knowledge, they were often more advanced than we give them credit for.
### French Cave Paintings
In caves in France, there are paintings dating back roughly 25,000 years that many believe depict the first doctors. These early physicians had some knowledge of the medicinal properties of plants and used them to treat their patients. Some ancient skulls have holes in them, which are thought to have been made by these early doctors in an effort to relieve head pain.
### Egyptians
The ancient Egyptians are admired for many of their achievements, including their medical practices. While their doctors often incorporated supernatural beliefs, they also had a strong grasp of anatomy and could diagnose illnesses. For example, they were performing root canals, a dental procedure that still scares people today, about 7,000 years ago. The Babylonians also made medical strides, developing diagnostic tests for their physicians to use.
Most people have heard of the Hippocratic Oath and its famous principle, “first, do no harm.” Hippocrates, often called the father of modern medicine, introduced many techniques and terms that we still use today. Other notable ancient doctors include Herophilus of Chalcedon, who studied the brain and nervous system, and Galen, who performed surgeries far ahead of his time. Greco-Roman medicine greatly influenced medical advancements in the Middle Ages, especially among Islamic physicians who made significant contributions to surgery and pharmacology.
### Medical Schools
The first medical schools appeared in Italy in the 12th century, leading to more localized healthcare. Monastic institutions often had some form of a hospital. During this time, doctors started relying more on their personal observations rather than solely on the wisdom of ancient masters. The Renaissance brought even more advancements in understanding human anatomy, diagnosis, and treatments.
### The Future
The 19th century saw a rapid expansion of medical knowledge thanks to technological and logical advancements around the world. Fields like psychiatry, immunology, and genetics began to take shape, setting the stage for 20th-century medicine. The rise of prescription drugs and vaccinations saved countless lives and increased life expectancy. More doctors moved from private practices to hospital settings.
While ancient medicine may seem primitive by today’s standards, it laid the groundwork for future generations to build on. With current technological advancements, doctors today are gaining vast amounts of new medical knowledge once again.