Henry E. Sigerist’s Review of the History of Medicine, Vol. II: Early Greek, Hindu, and Persian Medicine offers a comprehensive exploration of ancient medical traditions, emphasizing their interconnections and contributions to the evolution of medical knowledge. Sigerist delves into the medical practices of ancient Greece, India, and Persia, highlighting their unique approaches to health and healing. He examines the Greek emphasis on rationalism and empirical observation, the Indian integration of spiritual and physical well-being through Ayurveda, and the Persian advancements in medical theory and practice. Through this comparative analysis, Sigerist illustrates how these cultures, while distinct, shared a common goal of understanding and improving human health.

In his examination of Greek medicine, Sigerist focuses on the contributions of Hippocrates and his followers, who laid the groundwork for clinical medicine through systematic observation and the development of the humoral theory. He discusses the Greek approach to diagnosis and treatment, which emphasized the balance of bodily fluids and the importance of diet and lifestyle in maintaining health. Sigerist also highlights the Greek commitment to medical ethics, as exemplified by the Hippocratic Oath, which continues to influence medical practice today.

Turning to Indian medicine, Sigerist explores the foundational texts of Ayurveda, such as the Charaka Samhita and the Sushruta Samhita. He discusses the Ayurvedic understanding of health as a balance between the body’s three doshas—vata, pitta, and kapha—and the importance of diet, lifestyle, and herbal remedies in maintaining this balance. Sigerist also examines the surgical advancements described in the Sushruta Samhita, including procedures like rhinoplasty and the use of surgical instruments, which demonstrate the sophistication of ancient Indian medical practice.

Sigerist’s analysis of Persian medicine centers on the works of physicians like Avicenna, whose Canon of Medicine became a standard reference in both the Islamic world and medieval Europe. He discusses the Persian contributions to medical theory, including the development of pharmacology and the emphasis on empirical research. Sigerist also notes the Persian integration of Greek and Indian medical knowledge, which enriched their own medical traditions and facilitated the transmission of medical knowledge across cultures.

Sigerist emphasizes the interconnectedness of these ancient medical traditions, illustrating how they influenced each other and contributed to the collective advancement of medical knowledge. He advocates for a holistic understanding of medical history that recognizes the contributions of diverse cultures and traditions. By examining the medical practices of ancient Greece, India, and Persia, Sigerist provides valuable insights into the development of medical thought and practice, underscoring the importance of historical context in understanding contemporary medicine.