Galen

Galen (129 - c. 216), real name Claudius Galenus, also known as Galen of Pergamon, was a famous Greek physician, born at Pergamus, in Illyria, where, after studying in various cities, he settled in 158. Subsequently he went to Rome, and eventually became physician to the emperors Marcus Aurelius, Lucius Verus, and Septimius Severus. Of his voluminous writings 83 treatises are still extant, and these treat on a varied array of subjects, philosophical as well as professional. For centuries after his death his works were accepted as authoritative in the matter of medicine. His work is considered to be the apex of Greek medicines. Greek medicine was transmitted to the Renaissance scholars as Galenism.

Wisdom & Quotes

• The chief merit of language is clarity, and we know that nothing detracts so much from this as do unfamiliar terms.

- On the Natural Faculties

• The fact is that those who are enslaved to their sects are not merely devoid of all sound knowledge, but they will not even stop to learn!

– On the Natural Faculties

• Much music marreth men's manners.

– attributed

• Employment is Nature's physician, and is essential to human happiness.

– attributed

• The best physician is also a philosopher.

– attributed

• Look to the nervous system as the key to maximum health.
• Laziness breeds humors of the blood.
• All evil actions that men undertake are done either at the prompting of greed or under the spell of pleasure.

Clement of Alexandria

Nearby pages
Galgacus, Galicia, Galilaeans, Galilee, Galileo