De materia medica: where art and scientific principles pome together

Authors : Elif OZDOGAN

Pages : 94-96

Doi:10.5472/marumj.571589

View : 7 | Download : 5

Publication Date : 2019-05-31

Article Type : Other Papers

Abstract :This essay interprets and analyses the painting called “Dioscorides describing the mandrake”, which is currently located in a permanent exhibition at Wellcome Collection in London, UK. The painting features Pedanius Dioscorides, a Greek botanist and pharmacologist who practiced in the Roman Empire during the rule of Nero. Dioscorides is known for his influential De Materia Medica, a five-volume book on medicinal uses of various plants and herbs. What makes this script special and influential is that it included a vast amount of herbs, detailed descriptions, scientific observations, as well as a scientific classification and order. Upon reflection on this piece of art, I am reminded of the medical realm that we are gradually becoming a part of as medical students. There is immense passion, knowledge and intelligence in how medicine became modern medicine today. For me, the painting on Dioscorides’ De Materia Medica is a compelling visual representation of centuries – long endeavor.
Keywords : De Materia Medica, Dioscorides, Pharmacology, History of medicine