The present work will analyze subjects of Pliny's "Natural History" from a medico-historical point of view, that is to say: gynecological disorders, pregnancy and birth-giving. Firstly, the work portrays Pliny as an historical person and author. His criticism against contemporary doctors as well as his disapproval of abortion is considered separately.
The main part focuses on his ideas of anatomy, menstruation, conception, heredity, pregnancy, birth-giving and menopause. The present work interprets the original latin text and compares it with antique concepts of medicine. Furthermore, therapies of female disorders are presented based on a symptom-oriented basis. General principles of pharmacotherapy and magical medicine are explained. Through analyzing the "Natural History", it becomes clear that scientific and magical concepts merge, especially in reference to conception, pregnancy and birth-giving.
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The present work will analyze subjects of Pliny's "Natural History" from a medico-historical point of view, that is to say: gynecological disorders, pregnancy and birth-giving. Firstly, the work portrays Pliny as an historical person and author. His criticism against contemporary doctors as well as his disapproval of abortion is considered separately.
The main part focuses on his ideas of anatomy, menstruation, conception, heredity, pregnancy, birth-giving and menopause. The present work interp...
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