Hippocrates
was born on the island of Cos in the Eastern
Mediterranean about 460 B.C. He was taught the art of
medicine by his grandfather and father who had
practiced medicine before him. He traveled extensively
in Greece. He was consulted by some of the principal
rulers in southeastern Europe and in Asia Minor. He
possibly lived until 85 years of age with the date of
his death about 375 B.C.
It is probable that the writings which are credited
to Hippocrates were composed by several individuals of
the same name. Sarton states that the scientific
nature of the writings of Hippocrates is very
outstanding due to the careful observations, moderate
judgments, and love of truth. Furthermore, as far as
could be done, superstitions and irrelevant philosophy
were rejected. The raising in the level of medicine by
the end of the 5th Century from that current earlier
has been called the "Hippocratic Revolution."
