Born in 30AD in what is now Turkey, Pedanius Dioscorides went on to be a travelling physician with the Roman army. This allowed him a wide experience of different herbs, as he collected samples from his travels. In 50AD, he began work on his five volume De Materia Medica (Medical Substances). He published this in 70AD. Whilst initially written in Greek, once its importance was realised it was quickly translated into Latin & Arabic, & then other languages.
De Materia Medica contained an enormous wealth of information, with 1000+ natural medical items included, from animal, mineral & plant sources, with 4,740 different uses, all tested & used by Dioscorides himself. He organised them via their effects & uses, thus providing an initial framework
De Materia Medica contained an enormous wealth of information, with 1000+ natural medical items included, from animal, mineral & plant sources, with 4,740 different uses, all tested & used by Dioscorides himself. He organised them via their effects & uses, thus providing an initial framework