Galen: On the Properties of Foodstuffs

by Galen, John Wilkins

Overview

Until recently an English translation of Galen's On the Properties of Foodstuffs did not exist. This work, by one of the greatest of ancient physicians, provides a lucid description of the ways in which foods were thought to affect the body and were in turn affected by it. It contains revealing fragments of social comment. A retired physician with a particular interest in gastroenterology, Owen Powell offers the most accurate translation of the work currently available, including the first detailed introduction, commentary and discussion of terminology.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521812429
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	01/16/2003
Pages:	236
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.29(h) x 0.75(d)

About the Author

Owen Powell is an Honorary Research Fellow in the Department of Classics and Ancient History at the University of Queensland and a retired physician.

John Wilkins is Reader in Greek Literature at the University of Exeter and has written or edited several books on food in antiquity. He is currently producing an edition of Galen's De alimentorum facultatibus for the Budé series of classical texts.

Table of Contents

Foreword John Wilkins; Preface; Acknowledgements; Introduction; Galen's medical and scientific terminology; Translation; Commentary; Appendix I. List of plants; Appendix II. List of fishes; Ancient sources; References; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"On closing this book I realized that Powell had successfully accomplished an extraordinary feat. He had allowed me to travel effortlessly back in time and savor not only the genius of Galen, but the rich experience our forebears had gained in respect of the medicinal properties of foods," Gastroenterology

"Galen would undoubtedly be most satisfied with Powell's rendition of his legacy. I urge you to savor it yourself." Gastroenterology

"Powell brings the specifics of anatomy and physiology, coupled with a sensitivity that a physician can bring to an ancient medical text." Classic World, John Scarborough, University of Wisconsin

From the Publisher