Soranus' Gynecology

Soranus of Ephesus was an important contemporary of Galen of Pergamon. Galen came to dominate medicine so the writings of other doctors were lost except where there were gaps like Gynecology (where Galen did not much concern himself).What strikes me most is the sophistication of the methodology. There are no evil spirits, no curses and no gods inflicting punishment. Soranus looks for symptoms and causes and tries to formulate a diagnosis. As Soranus had no idea of germs. He followed the four humour theory of all ancient doctors so much of his thinking is way off but he does try to be scientific within the parameters of his own science.It is great to see texts like this translated into English (and reprinted). It gives a wonderful insight into Greco-Roman Civilization.

I teach college courses in the history of medicine and this gem of a translation is one of my favorite texts. Soranus himself provides clear descriptions of ancient procedures for many aspects of obstetrics and gynecology in antiquity including birth control, abortion, pre-natal care, delivery, neonatal care, and general treatment for common gynecological ailments in antiquity. It is written by an ancient professional for ancient professionals, and so the language is clinical and direct. The sensibilities are that of a physician of the 1st century CE, and may be jarring to some readers, but the information about what it was like to be a woman and a obstetrician in antiquity is invaluable to serious students of the subject. As someone familiar with the text in its original Greek, I can say that Temkin's English is a faithful representation of the original. For those who want to learn about such things from a primary source in an excellent translation, this book is a treasure.

As a professor of healthcare history I am so thankful for this edition. It opens the early history of gynecology to the student.

*faints*