Document Detail


Uroscopy in Byzantium (330-1453 AD).
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  18280520     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
PURPOSE: The macroscopic examination of urine constituted a lasting diagnostic method from the time of Hippocrates and Galen until the Renaissance. The Byzantines, as the carriers of ancient Greek medical knowledge, adopted uroscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the medical and historical bibliography as well as the original texts of Byzantine doctors. RESULTS: The outcome was impressive since, at that time, uroscopy was considered a main tool of clinical diagnosis. The Byzantines influenced the Arabs and Western Europe, their scriptures were considered points of reference, and they were regarded as experts on the subject of uroscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Byzantine doctors added new elements to the concept of uroscopy, which was based on ancient Greek knowledge. Throughout the centuries uroscopy was established as an irreplaceable diagnostic method which affected medical thinking as well as the perception of examination and cure since it practically isolated doctor and patient, especially in Western Europe.
Authors:
N Pardalidis; E Kosmaoglou; A Diamantis; N Sofikitis
Publication Detail:
Type:  Historical Article; Journal Article     Date:  2008-02-20
Journal Detail:
Title:  The Journal of urology     Volume:  179     ISSN:  1527-3792     ISO Abbreviation:  J. Urol.     Publication Date:  2008 Apr 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2008-03-17     Completed Date:  2008-03-20     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  0376374     Medline TA:  J Urol     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  1271-6     Citation Subset:  AIM; IM    
Affiliation:
Office for the Study of History of the Greek (Hellenic) Naval Medicine, Naval Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece. pardalidis@internet.gr
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Byzantium
History, 15th Century
History, Ancient
History, Medieval
Humans
Urinalysis / history*

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