Correlation of theory and practice in Galen’s system
D.A. Balalykin, A.P. Shcheglov, N.P. Shok
Keywords: history of medicine, history of science, antique natural science, conclusiveness, logical method, Galen
Abstract
Basing on De optima doctrina by Roman physician Galen (the work is introduced to Russian-language scientists for the first time) the authors analyze his anatomic- physiological system which dominated in medicine for more than 1,500 years. Galen reveals a balance between the level of empirical knowledge which is essential to a physician and the importance of theoretical constructions, and it is a unique research in the light of modern history of science. Galen’s conclusions about the importance of detection of causality, the necessity of theoretic generalization, the use of argument and logical method in diagnostication and therapy make possible to assert that in ancient medicine there arisen an essentially new methodological approach.
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