Customer Reviews

Greek and Roman Medicine (Classical World Series)

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I am wondering if this book was written for a university course work, as a brief introduction or more of a generic item. For the price both the content and length of the book feel unsatisfactory. It is possible that we simply do not know enough about this topic to result in a lengthier tome, even so, major details appear missing. For one, the Roman legions did not conquer the known world without a well developed military health care system, possibly including surgical procedures to treat battle wounds, community health activities to stay healthy at camp, during campaigns or in hostile environments like Parthia or Britannica. There is absolutely no description of anything about this. Since we know that the legions had many masters of many trades, were there any Greek "medics" or the soldiers just amputated each other's legs after a rough day in Germania? How about taking care of the wounds of prized gladiators? No mentioning of the magical antiseptic effects of silver as the army of Alexander the Great almost revolted against the officers. There is also a very vague description of the Plague of Athens, of which one can find more data on wikipedia than reading this book. The influence of Egyptian medicine is also neglected, just as well the possible adaptation of healing methods of annexed territories. Did Rome contribute nothing else to the history of medicine than Galen's work? So, although the writer clearly cares and is compassionate about the topic the book just feels...well...disappointing.