Lucie Burešová:
An analysis of terms “physician” and “medical” in the context of La Tène period and Roman Age

Abstract

An analysis of terms “physician” and “medical” in the context of La Tène period and Roman Age

Researchers in archaeology have used various terms of the similar instruments from different geographical areas in their catalogues. The opinions of current medical professionals also cause an issue. There is no consensus on the fundamental question, namely the correct use of the term “medical” for the tools used for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in periods that do not fulfil the image of modern medicine in terms of information or practices. This paper presents the results of the analysis of the terms “physician” and “medical”, their origin and legitimacy of use for artefacts from the La Tène period and Roman Age, for which the original purpose for diagnosis and treatment is assumed. Special attention is paid to the use of these terms for artefacts originating in the areas of Europe.

Language: english

Keywords: Medicine; medical; surgical; archaeology of medicine; history of medicine.