Ascelpius, Apollo and the Hippocratic Oath

Paper Summary:

This paper introduces Ascelpius, Apollo and Hippocrates, ancient Greek mythological figures who are all mentioned within the Hippocratic Oath. The paper examines who these people were and how their ideals and religious cults affect medicine today. Because there are few written texts that endured the wear and tear of the ages, the paper discusses myths that provide the primary sources of information of the ancient world and their views on medicine.

From the Paper:

"Health has undoubtedly been an important concern for all people throughout the ages, and it is no surprise that the ancient Greeks and Romans, like other ancient civilizations, had members within their society and culture who were responsible for healing or providing healthcare in some form or another. In ancient Greek and Roman culture, there was even a specific diety that was accredited to this service: the "god of healing", Asclepius. So why would anyone care about references about healthcare in ancient Greek and Roman times nowadays? Well, actually, a large percentage of graduating medical school students are required to recite the Hippocratic Oath before reception of their diploma. Ascelpius, Apollo, and Hippocrates are all mentioned within the oath. So who were these people and how do their ideals and religious cults affect medicine today? Because there are few written texts that endured the ware and tare of the ages, myths provide the primary sources that we have in our explorations of the ancient world and their views on medicine."

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