[105] NGP: Chapter 1
, “[105] NGP: Chapter 1”, in New Green Pharmacy: The Story of Western Herbal Medicine, 1 vol., Vermilion, 1997.
1000 - 1099 (C11th)
Pedanius Dioscorides
Publication:
De Materia Medica (Περὶ ὕλης ἰατρικής)
Date:
1st Century
Description:
The first clear and comprehensive medical work which became the prototype for all modern pharmacopeias and which still provides a relevant reference today [105]. Containing descriptions of around 600 plants, many previously unknown to medicine, it continued in popular circulation until around CE 1600 [105].
Summary:
A surgeon from Anazarbus, Dioscorides travelled widely in Asia Minor and the Roman Empire with the armies of Emperor Nero [105]. Seeing the need for an accurate, definitive medical resource, he documented the medicinal plants he came across and wrote 'De Materia Medica' [105]
Picture Perfect: Tacuinum Sanitatis
[N.B.: This blog and related comments were originally posted on the site 'Herbal Matters']
There's something so fresh about these images which date back to some time around the 14th century. They don't have the dullness of a modern photo, nor the time-bleached dustiness of most historical herbal manuscripts. And is it just me, or do they contain a brilliant sense of humour and gaiety too?
