Psychiatric services in Egypt - an update.

Area of Science:

• History of Medicine
• Classical Antiquity
• Renaissance Studies

Background:

• The Hippocratic system of medicine was influential in Europe for over a millennium.
• This system declined during the Dark Ages, replaced by demoniacal theories of mental illness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To trace the historical trajectory of the Hippocratic medical system.
• To understand the factors contributing to its decline and eventual revival.

Main Methods:

• Historical analysis of medical texts and philosophical influences.
• Examination of the preservation and translation of classical medical works.

Main Results:

• Hippocrates' works were preserved in the Library of Alexandria and translated into Arabic.
• Re-translations into Latin and Greek from the 12th century onwards facilitated the Renaissance.

Conclusions:

• The survival and reintroduction of classical medical knowledge were crucial for the Renaissance.
• The study highlights the cyclical nature of medical thought and the importance of preserving knowledge through turbulent periods.