Theophrastus
Dates:
circa 371 BCE - circa 287 BCE
Publication:
Enquiry into Plants: Books 6-9; Treatise on Odours; Concerning Weather Signs
Date:
circa 300 BCE
399 - 300 (C4th BCE)
Hippocrates
Dates:
circa 460BCE - 370BCE
Summary:
Greek physician commonly considered the 'Father of Medicine' being largely responsible for re-defining the study of medicine as a discipline in its own right separate from other subjects such as philosophy. Promoted a holistic approach. Author of the maxim 'ars longa, vita brevis' roughly meaning "art is long, life is short" [105].
[105] NGP: Chapter 1
, “[105] NGP: Chapter 1”, in New Green Pharmacy: The Story of Western Herbal Medicine, 1 vol., Vermilion, 1997.
Megalium
In Theophrastus' treatise on odours, from around 300 BCE, he mentions a sweet-smelling mixture known as Megalium that was capable of relieving the inflammation caused by any wound [102].
Megalium contained [102]:
Resin and oil of Balanos (Balanites aegyptiaca)
Cassia (probably Cinnamomum aromaticum)
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)
Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)
Diocles of Carystius
Dates:
c. 400BCE - 300BCE
Publication:
Rhizotomika
Description:
Possibly the earliest of all herbals [105]. This book listed medicinal plants with notes on their physiological effects and was probably of great use to the Rhizotomoki or "root gatherers" of Ancient Greece [105].
Summary:
Greek physician and student of Aristotle [105].
