[Galen on the topic of abnormalities]

Galen on deformities--Galen's treatment of problems of deformities has its primary source in his twofold teleological conviction that nature acts purposefully and that the human organism and his parts serve their purposes in an optimal way. Thus he defines deformities as functionally deviant body parts. Operative therapy therefore is indicated only if an abnormal part of the body hinders its normal function. On the basis of scientific physiological concepts of his time Galen blames avoidable diatetic failures of the parents as causes of deformities. Galen's engagement on this point reveals the influence of his own experiences as a physician. Galen's statements on deformities show that his teleological concept of nature, his practical medical experience and scientific theories of his time enable him to draw fruitful theoretical and practical conclusions for matters of definition, indication for treatment and prophylaxis of deformities.