Alcmaeon (fl. ca. 500 B.C.)

Definition:

A pioneer in ancient Greek medicine who emphasized finding natural causes for disorders.

Background:

Alcmaeon correctly surmised that the brain was the central part of the nervous system and made other discoveries associated with neural transmission. These discoveries were due to his pioneering use of dissection. He also contributed to the development of astronomy.

Related Terms:

Galen (ca. 130 - 200) Hippocrates (ca. 460 - 377 B.C.) Temple medicine

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