Great Men and Women in the History of Medicine (Unabridged)

The practice of medicine must be as ancient as mankind itself. People have always fallen ill and injured themselves. Just as there have always been sick people needing treatment, there seems never to have been a time when there wasn't someone willing to look after them. Generally their motives must surely have sprung from common humanity and compassion. Often, in ancient times, we learn that caring for the sick formed part of the duties of a priest. Sometimes, however, there is little doubt that 'doctors' have simply been people who have proclaimed their own wisdom in order to profit from the misfortunes of others.