Sunday, December 19, 2010

Soranus of Ephesus

Among many Greek immigrant surgeons was Soranus of Ephesus (AD 90 – 138), who studied in Alexandria where he practiced as a physician. His name flourished under the Roman emperor Hadrian.

He was celebrated both as a teacher and practitioner; and is admitted to have been the blest exponent of the Methodic doctrines, which h carried to their highest degree of popularity.

As well as writing on fractures and skull injuries, Soranus can be regarded as one of the founders of obstetrics.

He introduced the birth stool, which had supports for the back and arms and crescent shaped aperture.

He also described the necessity of emptying the bladder before delivery of the baby. He was the first to advocate washing the eyes of the new born with oil; he also instructs on tying the umbilical cord with a double knot before cutting it.

He writes on nursing and weaning: he recommends that only boiled honey be given the infant on the first two days, with nursing only to begin on the third day.
Soranus of Ephesus

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