(460-377 B.C.)
Hippocrates, a physician in ancient Greece, is the father of modern medicine. He was born on the Greek island of Kos. His 60 medical expositions were gathered and kept in the library of Alexandria, Egypt.
Modern medical theories formed in the 1800s were based on Hippocrates' principles of medical science. Hippocrates developed his medical theories on rational and scientific principles, believing that diseases only had natural causes, not supernatural ones. He also regarded the human body as an entire organism. Hippocrates treated patients in a holistic manner, meaning treatment with proper diet, fresh air, clean living conditions and habits.
Some medical techniques Hippocrates used were quite liberal for his time. He bored holes into skulls to alleviate pressure from tumors and used tar as a crude antiseptic for wounds. His oath, the Hippocratic Oath, is used today by graduating medical students, affirming the relationship between doctor and patient, and the doctor's duty to humanity.
Hippocrates was responsible for the saying, Life is short, the art long, opportunity fleeting, experience treacherous, judgement difficult, according to Spuumbenda.