History of medicine. Introductory lecture. Medical symbolism of various times and peoples (lecture notes)

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History of medicine. Introductory lecture. Medical symbolism of various times and peoples (lecture notes)

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LECTURE No. 1. Introductory lecture. Medical symbols of various times and peoples

The history of medicine is a science about the development, improvement of medical knowledge, medical activities of different peoples of the world throughout the history of mankind, which is inextricably linked with philosophy, history, natural science, and the development of culture. In fact, the history of medicine studies the patterns of development of medicine and healing, their history from ancient times to the present.

Throughout the development of medicine, there have been a large number of symbolic images, since medicine was constantly associated with people's grief, joy, etc. Some symbols are a thing of the past, they were forgotten, some still remain.

In the old days, an emblem was called an "intricate picture", which conditionally depicted an idea. The emblem (emblema - "insert", "convex image") is a metal sheet of relief work, a convex decoration, an insert. It is also necessary to introduce such a thing as a "symbol". A symbol (simbol - "sign") is a kind of conventional sign, sign. In the old days, a signature or a witty saying to a drawing was called a symbol. If we turn to Ancient Greece, then among the Greeks the word "symbol" meant a certain conventional sign, the meaning and meaning of which was known only to a certain circle of people.

Now let's turn to the medical emblem. A medical emblem is a symbolic image that symbolizes the medical field, belonging to the medical profession, various branches of medicine, and some separate medical specialties. For example, in the Middle Ages, lily of the valley was a symbol of medieval therapy.

There are a number of common medical emblems:

1) an image of a snake, including in combination with a bowl, with Apollo's tripod, a candle, a mirror, a staff;

2) an image of a heart in the palm of your hand;

3) an image of a burning candle, symbolizing a certain direction in the field of medicine:

a) symbols of therapy - lily of the valley, Florentine baby, pelican, urinary (vessel for collecting urine), a hand that feels the pulse;

b) symbols of surgery - a drop of blood, various surgical instruments, a pentagram;

c) various military medical emblems, emblems of various medical societies.

The first inscriptions and images that personified medicine appeared on coins in ancient Greece. Along with the gods and rulers, a snake was minted. In some cases she was alone, in some with the tripod of Apollo, in others with the staff of Asclepius.

Consider the snake as a medical emblem. In primitive society, she was one of the main totem animals. In the mythology of ancient civilizations (Babylon, Egypt, Mesopotamia, China, India), the connection between the snake and fertility was often reflected. The snake is a dual, wise and insidious creature that can both betray and help. The snake personified knowledge, wisdom, immortality, power.

If we turn to Babylon, then the snake was the emblem of the god of doctors. Rejuvenation, recovery, wisdom were associated with the snake.

In Egypt, the snake was the symbol of the god Thoth. This god was the patron saint of doctors. But the Goddess of health and life (Isis) was depicted with snakes that personified eternal life.

Another emblem is a staff that is entwined with a snake. It is a stylized image that has a red color and is located on a white background. Today, this emblem is the official emblem of medicine in some European countries.

Another emblem is the rod of Hermes (among the Romans - the rod of Mercury). I must say that in the Renaissance, doctors considered themselves merchants, and Hermes, respectively, their patron.

Consider another emblem - the emblem of the World Health Organization: the emblem is a staff, which is located vertically and wrapped around a snake. Depicted against the background of a globe bordered by laurel branches (this is the emblem of the UN).

Now let's talk about the essence of the subject "History of Medicine", why it is needed, what are its tasks. In order to know the past, various sources are used:

1) archeological data;

2) tools of labor;

3) written monuments;

4) manuscripts;

5) printed books;

6) works of art.

The history of medicine considers the development of both practical and theoretical components of medicine. The study of the history of medicine is necessary for a doctor, a student of a medical university, because it allows you to deepen special medical knowledge, and also to some extent warns the doctor against hasty, unreasonable conclusions. The path of development of medical science, all its difficulties, successes, failures, and so on, show the humanism of medicine as a science, instill a sense of pride and respect for the medical profession.

Author: Bachilo E.V.

>> Forward: The birth of medicine. Medicine in primitive communities. The emergence of healing

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