Why is Hippocrates called the "father of western medicine'?

Hippocrates, a Greek physician, lived in the 5th century BC, and founded the Hippocratic School of Medicine. He revolutionised Greek medicine, for he believed in, and developed the practice of the clinical method of observation.

This was the careful noting of all the symptoms of a disease, and of the changes in a patient's condition during the illness Hippocrates believed that the body must be treated as a whole.He made medicine a discipline distinct from other fields, and his biggest contribution was that he rejected superstition and the belief that supernatural, or divine forces.were the cause of illness.

In short, it was Hippocrates who transformed medicine into a science. He wrote on a variety of medical topics including diagnosis, epidemics, obstetrics, paediatrics, nutrition and surgery. To this day, newly qualified doctors take an oath called the hippocratic oath that lays down the basic rules of conduct that doctors must follow.

Why is Alhazen known as the pioneer of modern optics?

Born in the tenth century AD, Alhazen was an Arab who was known as the first true scientist. He developed the scientific method of experimentation, and was the first person to formulate hypothesis and conduct verifiable experiments. A scientist, philosopher, astronomer, and mathematician, Alhazen wrote over a hundred books, more than half of which have been preserved. One of his most influential writings was in the field of optics. In this book Alhazen gave experimental proof of the nature of light, the structure of the eye and the basic principles of reflection via mirror. He stated that contrary to popular belief, the eye does not send out rays to the object it sees. Rather it is the light reflected via the object that the eye beholds. This was a completely new and revolutionary concept. The book comprises sevenvoles, and was translated into Latin.

Why is Pythagoras considered one of the greatest scientists of all time?

Pythagoras was an Ancient Greek mathematician and philosopher who lived more than 500 years before Christ. He spent most of his life in the Greek colonies in Sicily and southern Italy. He was also a philosopher, and founder of the religious movement called Pythagoreanism. Pythagoras had a group of disciples who followed him around, and taught other people what he had taught them. He made crucial contributions to modern philosophy, as well as mathematics, science, and religious mysticism. It is also believed that he had a significant influence on medicine, music, astronomy, and divination. Pythagoras is best known for the mathematical theory named after him. He is without doubt, one of the greatest scientists not only of the ancient world, but of all time.

Who was Paracelsus?

Paracelsus was a renowned German physicist, and botanist of Swiss origin. His path breaking findings in botany and medicine made him a pioneer in his field. Paracelsus became a notable physician in the early 16th century. He rejected most of the prevalent and widely accepted worlo views, and magic theories of medicine. While working on medicines, Paracelsus brought together the use of chemicals in medicines. In 1526, he coined the term 'zincum' for the chemical element zinc. He is also known for discovering laudanum' which is an alcoholic herbal preparation. Paracelsus was a strict follower, and a firm believer of the classical Greek concept of elements. However, he added his own findings to this concept. Paracelsus' real name was Philippus von Hohenheim. The name 'Paracelsus' was actually a nickname. It means 'equal to or greater than Celsus' and refers to his medical skill.

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