Corpus Hippocraticum

Based on the Corpus Hippocraticum, punius the ELDER (23-79 AD) recommended treating liver diseases by means of wolf s liver with honey or by means of donkey s liver with parsley and honey. Treatment of liver diseases based on the use of poultices and laxatives, which is still known in modern times, dates back to the recommendations of Caelius Aureuanus (5 century AD). He also described the discolouration of urine associated with jaundice. 

A considerable part of Corpus Hippocraticum is devoted to surgery, and this subject is dealt with in a refreshingly straightforward way, free of speculations and unwarranted hypotheses. Of all that Hippocrates supposedly wrote, this comes closest to our modem view of medicine. His powers of observation are truly amazing and his clinical methods might in many cases, for instance the reducing of dislocations, be used even today. The Hippocratic writings demonstrate... 

The history of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAlDs) dates right back to ancient times - beginning with Hippocrates of Kos (460-377 BC) and the collection of medical writings known as the Corpus Hippocraticum. It is therefore as old as medical science itself. Hippocrates aheady knew of the pain-relieving (analgesic) and fever-reducing (antipyretic) effects of willow bark (Fig. 5.70). 

Descriptions of some of the main secondary diseases following from arteriosclerosis have already been handed down to us from ancient times. Thus, one can find in the Hippocratic writings (Corpus Hippocraticum) indications of gangrene, stroke (apoplexia) and cardiac failure. But the explanation ofthe cause of such diseases first began in early modem times, when autopsies were carried out in increasing numbers to clarify the cause of death. 

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