Chronical History

Hippocrates and Disability: Medical Texts Discussing Causes of Disabilities

Xannah Moniq Season 1 Episode 8

Join Xannah Moniq on this fast-paced journey into the ancient world of Hippocrates, where medical texts reveal the earliest theories about disabilities. From the bizarre but groundbreaking humoral theory to the influence of the environment on health, discover how the Father of Medicine tried to explain what caused disabilities and how they were treated in Ancient Greece. This episode of Chronical History unpacks the fascinating (and sometimes cringe-worthy!) medical practices of the past, showing just how far we’ve come—and where it all began.

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Sources/References:

        1.        Hippocrates, On the Sacred Disease - Ancient text discussing epilepsy and its causes.
        2.        Hippocrates, Airs, Waters, Places - Discusses environmental impacts on health and disability.
        3.        Grmek, M.D. Diseases in the Ancient Greek World - An in-depth analysis of ancient medical practices, including Hippocrates’ contributions.
        4.        Jouanna, J. Hippocrates - An exploration of Hippocratic medicine and its influence on modern science.
        5.        Edelstein, L. Ancient Medicine - Covers the development of medical practices from Hippocrates onward, including views on disability.

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