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[The "Alphabetical Dioscorides" (a propos the Codex Vindobonensis Med. gr. 1)]
Revue D'Histoire De La Pharmacie
|January 1, 1994
Summary
The Viennese Codex Dioscorides is an illustrated bibliographic work featuring accessible plants for self-treatment of common ailments. Later herbals covered extensive Materia medica for physicians.
Area of Science:
- Historical botany and ethnopharmacology.
- Analysis of ancient and medieval medicinal texts.
Background:
- The Greek "Alphabetical Dioscorides" from the Codex Vindobonensis is an illustrated bibliographic work.
- It features readily available plants for individuals seeking to treat common illnesses without exotic drugs.
Discussion:
- Later Latin and Renaissance Greek Alphabeticals expanded to include the full Materia medica.
- These later texts aimed to facilitate quick access to the pharmacologic properties of medicinal herbs for physicians.
Key Insights:
- Early illustrated herbals served bibliographic and appreciative purposes, focusing on accessible remedies.
- The evolution of herbals reflects a shift towards comprehensive pharmacologic reference for medical professionals.
Outlook:
- Further research into the specific plant uses and cultural contexts of these historical herbals.
- Comparative studies of different manuscript traditions to understand the transmission of botanical knowledge.