Greek and Roman Medicine (Classical World Series)

This is a recommended textbook for the Society of Apothecaries Diploma of the History of Medicine course.I have glanced at it in bookshops but have yet to receive my copy.

I am wondering if this book was written for a university course work, as a brief introduction or more of a generic item. For the price both the content and length of the book feel unsatisfactory. It is possible that we simply do not know enough about this topic to result in a lengthier tome, even so, major details appear missing. For one, the Roman legions did not conquer the known world without a well developed military health care system, possibly including surgical procedures to treat battle wounds, community health activities to stay healthy at camp, during campaigns or in hostile environments like Parthia or Britannica. There is absolutely no description of anything about this. Since we know that the legions had many masters of many trades, were there any Greek "medics" or the soldiers just amputated each other's legs after a rough day in Germania? How about taking care of the wounds of prized gladiators? No mentioning of the magical antiseptic effects of silver as the army of Alexander the Great almost revolted against the officers. There is also a very vague description of the Plague of Athens, of which one can find more data on wikipedia than reading this book. The influence of Egyptian medicine is also neglected, just as well the possible adaptation of healing methods of annexed territories. Did Rome contribute nothing else to the history of medicine than Galen's work? So, although the writer clearly cares and is compassionate about the topic the book just feels...well...disappointing.

This book was used as a text for a class.

Consists of short essays on the subject which are informative but understandably giving just an outline only of the topic. Can be read almost at one sitting so not a reference book. A perfect for a start though to an understanding of what went on and from where 'modern medicine' evolved.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in medicine in the classical world. As it was a gift I had a look before I gave it to a Latin student who hopes to study medicine. The Classical World Series has a great number of books and the ones I read are very informative.

Excellent book with a very good overview on ancient medicine and easy to read..

I enjoyed the book, great facts. I learnt a lot.