Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that ancient Rome was ahead of its time in the practice of medicine. The writer points out that much of todays' modern practices of aseptic techniques of medicine came from the early Romans. The ancient Romans wanted to make sure their army was a healthy one and in order to do they used aseptic techniques for preventing disease and even conducted surgeries in which they used different types of pain medicines. The writer discusses that their medicine practice used different rituals, tools, and herbal-based medicines for their patients. The writer concludes that Roman physicians were very concerned with public health and preventing disease. Even though they were not licensed, they still did a great service to the citizens of Rome by helping families as well helping the military in times of war.

From the Paper:

"Prior to their contact with these cultures, the head of each Roman household would treat his family with various folk remedies and by asking for help from the appropriate Gods. Hippocrates brought the idea that there were four humors: yellow bile, black bile, blood, and phlegm. The Greeks also brought along the idea of neurosurgery to Ancient Rome. Early Roman surgeons would poke holes in the skull to relieve pain and pressure. These early brain surgeons also could reduce depressed cranial fractures. Greek doctors were often prisoners of war and Romans would buy them for their own households. Later, many of these Greeks were able to be freed men and were able to open up their own practices in Rome.
"The doctors of ancient Rome were not always highly regarded and the position was often considered a low social position."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "Galen of Pergamum." Encyclopedia Britannica. 2008. Cameron Univ. Lib., Lawton, OK. 25 September 2008 <http://search.eb.com/eb/article-2553>.
• Hope, Valerie M., et al. Death and Disease in the Ancient City. New York: Taylor and Francis Publishing, 2000.
• Pope, Stephanie, et al. Cambridge Latin Course Unit 1. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2004.
• Nutton, Vivian. Ancient Medicine. New York: Taylor and Francis Publishing, 2004.

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