Hippocrates' Ancient Medicinal Recipes Found at Egyptian Monastery
Located in close proximity to the library with the longest continuous operation in history
Monks at the historic St. Catherine's Monastery in South Sinai, Egypt have unearthed the oldest known medicinal recipes penned by the renowned Greek physician, Hippocrates. The ancient manuscript, dating back to the 6th century AD, was found during restoration work at the monastery's library.
The anonymous scribe who transcribed the manuscript not only documented Hippocrates' medicinal formulas but also included illustrations of various herbs used in these treatments. This invaluable find offers a rare glimpse into the medical knowledge and practices of the ancient world.
St. Catherine's Monastery, nestled atop Mt. Sinai, is home to what is believed to be the world's oldest continuously operating library. Within its walls, an extensive collection of over six thousand manuscripts in Arabic, Ethiopian, Coptic, Armenian, Syriac, and Greek languages is carefully preserved. The library's oldest manuscript, dating back to the 4th century AD, predominantly comprises works of history and philosophy.
During the restoration efforts at the monastery, the monks stumbled upon another significant manuscript featuring biblical passages. Alongside this sacred text, a medicinal recipe attributed to Hippocrates, along with three illustrated herb recipes, were unveiled. These manuscripts were subsequently examined by experts from the Early Manuscripts Electronic Library (EMEL).
Michael Phelps, a researcher at EMEL, expressed his enthusiasm about this discovery, stating, "The manuscript, containing three medical texts, will be recognized as one of the oldest and most important manuscripts in the world." The significance of this find cannot be overstated, as it offers valuable insights into the medical practices of ancient Greece and the groundbreaking contributions of Hippocrates, often hailed as the father of medicine.
Hippocrates, born around 460 BC on the island of Kos, revolutionized the field of medicine by attributing diseases to natural causes rather than supernatural or divine influences. He is credited with inventing clinical medicine and establishing the fundamental principles of the doctor-patient relationship. Furthermore, Hippocrates was the first physician to understand that thoughts and emotions originate in the brain, not the heart.
Among his many accomplishments, Hippocrates created a code of conduct for physicians that has endured for over 2,500 years. He was also responsible for naming cancer ("karkinos" in Greek), drawing inspiration from the crab-like appearance of tumors. According to his humoral theory, the body contained four vital fluids known as humors: blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile. Imbalances in these humors were believed to cause various diseases, including cancer.
Hippocrates emphasized the importance of a healthy diet in maintaining overall well-being. He recognized the healing properties of specific foods and advocated for dietary modifications as part of disease management. His holistic approach often incorporated lifestyle changes, such as exercise and nutrition, in the treatment of ailments, including diabetes.
The rediscovery of Hippocrates' medicinal recipes at St. Catherine's Monastery opens a window into the ancient world's understanding of medicine and highlights the timeless wisdom of this pioneering Greek physician. As the world continues to unravel the mysteries of our past, these newfound insights will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing advancement of medical knowledge and practices.