Pedanius Dioscorides was born in 50 A.D in a town called Anazarbus in Cilicia and died in 90 A.D. He worked as the Chief surgeon for the Roman Emperor. His notoriety came from his extensive research and knowledge of botany and pharmacology. He travelled extensively with the Army of the Roman Emperor as a surgeon and physician where he was able to study medicinal plants and substances in their natural environment.
Dioscorides visited over 38 provinces, cities and mountains of Asia Minor, Greek Mainland, Egypt, Syria and Italy. He was able to observe some 4,740 medicinal substances in their natural habitat; these included plant, animal and mineral substances. He described some 600 plants and noted over 1000 medicinal activities of which were…show more content… This compilation of books is one of the largest ever compilations of natural medicines. Volume l aromatics this volume looks at aromatic oils their host plants and the ointments that they make some of the specimens include cinnamon, balm of Gilead, cardamom, cassia bark, Senna plant & quince , Volume ll animals to herbs this volume looks at many animals including seahorses, mussels & crabs as well as strong herbs including garlic and leek some vegetables including asparagus, beetroot, and onion, Volume lll roots, seeds and herbs this included probable plants including rhubarb, parsley and fennel, Volume lV roots, herbs continued which covered plants such as horsetail , Volume V vines, wines & minerals it was believed that this volume covered grapevines and wine made from them to the production of the wine as well as metals including zinc and iron…show more content… It is interesting to note that historical advancements within biomedicine and the science of pharmacopeia have been attributed to Dioscorides by historians however he has received very little homage for his contribution.
The research employed by Dioscorides can be described as advanced for his time and has been noted as the beginnings of science and it’s interlink with medicine. Not only did he document and describe his plant, animal and mineral subjects meticulously he also looked at its medicinal constituents noting action and uses of this constituent, administration and dosage and any side effects.
Complementary and Alternative medicine does however recognise and respect his work and efforts as one of the most comprehensive compilations of pharmacopeia ever written with much of his knowledge still integrated and used within Complementary and Alternative health care today.
References
Karl Gottlob Kühn (20th August 2014) De Materia Medica (Dioscorides), Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Materia_Medica_ (Dioscorides) (Accessed: 26th August
