Evolution of Pharmacology throughout History
Primitive Peoples
Contribution:Primitive peoples discovered the healing properties of plants, minerals and animal parts through
observation of nature and accumulated experience. This knowledge was transmitted orally from generation to
generation, forming the basis of early medical practices.
Evidence: Archaeological remains show the use of medicinal plants such as garlic, mint and willow bark
(precursor of aspirin). Stone tools associated with healing rituals and references in current indigenous cultures
maintain some of these practices.
Ancient Civilizations
Ancient civilizations are those cultures that emerged in ancient times and were noted for their significant advances in
areas such as writing, architecture, agriculture, politics and science. These civilizations were the first to establish
complex and organized societies. Some of the most notable are:
1. Mesopotamian Civilization
2. Egyptian Civilization
3. Ancient Chinese Civilization
4. Greek Civilization
5. Roman Civilization
ContributionAncient civilizations, such as the Greeks and Romans, systematized the use of plants and minerals.
In Greece, Hippocrates began to view disease as an imbalance in the body rather than a divine punishment,
while Galen in Rome developed theories about the properties of medicines and their effects on the body.
Evidence: Texts such as the Corpus Hippocraticum and the writings of Galen contain detailed records of
medicinal plants and therapeutic methods. Greek medicine greatly influenced pharmacology for centuries.
Mesopotamia
Contribution: The Mesopotamians created some of the first pharmacopoeias, written compendia of medicinal
remedies. They used herbs, resins, minerals, and animal extracts in detailed formulas.
Evidence:The Code of Hammurabi includes regulations on medical practice and prescriptions for treatments.
The Nippur Tablet is one of the oldest medical records, detailing remedies for illnesses and injuries.
Ancient Egypt
ContributionIn ancient Egypt, medicine was closely linked to religion. Egyptians used a wide variety of medicinal
plants, and priests acted as physicians. Surgical practices and the use of bandages and ointments were also
developed.
EvidenceThe Ebers Papyrus (ca. 1500 BC) is one of the oldest medical treatises, with over 700 formulas for
treatments. Another relevant text is the Edwin Smith Papyrus, which details surgical techniques.
Hebrew People
Contribution: The Hebrews emphasized hygiene, purity, and the use of medicinal plants in their practices. Laws
on diet, quarantine, and cleanliness reflect a preventive knowledge of health.
EvidenceReferences in the Bible describe the use of plants such as hyssop, myrrh, and frankincense, which had
medicinal and religious properties. These texts also suggest a rudimentary medical practice that included
observing symptoms and using natural treatments.
China
Primitive Peoples
Contribution:Primitive peoples discovered the healing properties of plants, minerals and animal parts through
observation of nature and accumulated experience. This knowledge was transmitted orally from generation to
generation, forming the basis of early medical practices.
Evidence: Archaeological remains show the use of medicinal plants such as garlic, mint and willow bark
(precursor of aspirin). Stone tools associated with healing rituals and references in current indigenous cultures
maintain some of these practices.
Ancient Civilizations
Ancient civilizations are those cultures that emerged in ancient times and were noted for their significant advances in
areas such as writing, architecture, agriculture, politics and science. These civilizations were the first to establish
complex and organized societies. Some of the most notable are:
1. Mesopotamian Civilization
2. Egyptian Civilization
3. Ancient Chinese Civilization
4. Greek Civilization
5. Roman Civilization
ContributionAncient civilizations, such as the Greeks and Romans, systematized the use of plants and minerals.
In Greece, Hippocrates began to view disease as an imbalance in the body rather than a divine punishment,
while Galen in Rome developed theories about the properties of medicines and their effects on the body.
Evidence: Texts such as the Corpus Hippocraticum and the writings of Galen contain detailed records of
medicinal plants and therapeutic methods. Greek medicine greatly influenced pharmacology for centuries.
Mesopotamia
Contribution: The Mesopotamians created some of the first pharmacopoeias, written compendia of medicinal
remedies. They used herbs, resins, minerals, and animal extracts in detailed formulas.
Evidence:The Code of Hammurabi includes regulations on medical practice and prescriptions for treatments.
The Nippur Tablet is one of the oldest medical records, detailing remedies for illnesses and injuries.
Ancient Egypt
ContributionIn ancient Egypt, medicine was closely linked to religion. Egyptians used a wide variety of medicinal
plants, and priests acted as physicians. Surgical practices and the use of bandages and ointments were also
developed.
EvidenceThe Ebers Papyrus (ca. 1500 BC) is one of the oldest medical treatises, with over 700 formulas for
treatments. Another relevant text is the Edwin Smith Papyrus, which details surgical techniques.
Hebrew People
Contribution: The Hebrews emphasized hygiene, purity, and the use of medicinal plants in their practices. Laws
on diet, quarantine, and cleanliness reflect a preventive knowledge of health.
EvidenceReferences in the Bible describe the use of plants such as hyssop, myrrh, and frankincense, which had
medicinal and religious properties. These texts also suggest a rudimentary medical practice that included
observing symptoms and using natural treatments.
China
