Physicians in ancient Persia

Abstract

Studying the history of science in ancient civilizations can help to shed light on the mysteries of the history of science as well as the contribution of nations to the growth of science in the world throughout the history. Among various branches of science, medicine is of particular importance and owing to the crucial role of physicians in this discipline; the present study has taken the role of physicians in ancient Persia (since the dawn of history to 637 AD) into account. To meet this end, the study has worked on the manuscripts remained from different historical era (Iranian and Non-Iranian) as well as the ndings of the more recent research conducted on the history of Persian medicine. In the end, a sketch of the status of physicians in ancient Persia are presented: 1- Medicine in ancient Persian languages, 2- The status of medicine in ancient Persia, 3- Different kinds of physicians, 4- Persian physicians, 5- Non-Persian physicians in ancient Persia, and 6- Common medical rules and laws. The ndings of the study depict the advanced medical system present in ancient Persia. It is also found that the high scientic and economic status of physicians and scientists in ancient Persia encouraged numerous non-Persian physicians to immigrate to Persia.