A Note from History: The First Pathology Book and Its Author

history of pathology, history of medicine The practice of medicine from the time of Gallen (131-200 A.D.) to the thirteenth century was an accepted occupation of male members of religious orders. The church prohibited the use of instruments and the dissection of bodies was outlawed. The seriousness of a disease was estimated according to the phases of the moon and the position of stars in the firmament. The planning of treatment followed the same principles, reflecting written and unwritten superstitions [1]. This was the medical situation from ancient times to the birth of Jean Francois Fernel in 1497, four years after Columbus returned from America. Fernel was a diligent but reclusive student. H