Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

[Physicians and leeches--and traces in words].

K Naess

    Tidsskrift for Den Norske Laegeforening : Tidsskrift for Praktisk Medicin, Ny Raekke
    |December 10, 1991
    PubMed
    Summary

    The etymology of the word "physician" traces back to the Indo-European root "leg," signifying knowledge. This linguistic journey highlights the historical connection between healing and wisdom across European languages.

    Related Concept Videos

    You might also read

    Related Articles

    Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

    Sort by
    Same author

    An investigation into the excitability of the motor nerve of rabbits under ether anaesthesia.

    Acta pharmacologica et toxicologica·2014
    Same author

    Changes in the excitability curve of the rabbit's motor nerve during ether anaesthesia (with special references to the mechanism of the stimulating effect of ether.).

    Acta pharmacologica et toxicologica·2014
    Same author

    What medications should a physician bring with them in sick visits.

    Tidsskrift for den Norske laegeforening : tidsskrift for praktisk medicin, ny raekke·2010
    Same author

    About crystalloid infusions, indications, use and preparation.

    Tidsskrift for den Norske laegeforening : tidsskrift for praktisk medicin, ny raekke·2010
    Same author

    [Ecology and prion diseases in domestic animals].

    Tidsskrift for den Norske laegeforening : tidsskrift for praktisk medicin, ny raekke·1997
    Same author

    "Contamination" with genes?.

    Tidsskrift for den Norske laegeforening : tidsskrift for praktisk medicin, ny raekke·1997

    Area of Science:

    • Linguistic etymology
    • History of medicine

    Background:

    • The term 'leech' historically referred to both the medicinal worm (Hirudo medicinalis) and a physician in England.
    • European words for 'physician' are often linked to Celtic origins.

    Observation:

    • Investigation into the etymology of physician-related terms across European languages.
    • Tracing the word's origin to the Indo-European root 'leg,' associated with knowledge and wisdom.

    Findings:

    • The Indo-European root 'leg' is a common stem for terms related to physicians in Scandinavian and other European languages.
    • The Celtic language, a branch of Indo-European, plays a significant role in the etymology of these terms.
    • The Greek word 'logos' (word) and 'legein' (to speak) share a conceptual link with the root 'leg' and the medical profession.

    Implications:

    • Understanding the deep historical roots connecting language, knowledge, and the practice of medicine.
    • Highlights the interconnectedness of language families and the evolution of medical terminology.
    • Provides insight into the cultural significance attributed to physicians throughout history.

    Related Experiment Videos