Born in 335 B.C. in the town of Chalcedon, a small town on the Asiatic side of the Bosphorus (now Kadıköy, I˙stanbul, Turkey), Herophilus is believed to have lived till 255 B.C.
Hippocrates, the ancient master of medicine, had already been dead for 65 years when Herophilus was studying medicine in Cos, but his medical philosophy and knowledge remained powerful influences. Herophilus was thought to have been under the tutelage and guidance of Praxagoras of Cos, who had made significant contributions to Aristotelian anatomy by differentiating arteries from veins. Herophilus’ education by Praxagoras was greatly influenced by this strong Hippocratic philosophy.
Having learnt from Praxagoras, Herophilus began practicing medicine in the city of Alexandria during the reign of the first two Ptolemaio Pharoahs. Through his fervent interest in the subject, his discoveries led him to become an acclaimed medical practitioner.
He took a deep interest in general anatomy, which formed the basis of his scientific application of gymnastic exercises to remedial purposes, and also of his dietetics. His chief work was in connexion with the brain and the reproductive organs-the latter being of great practical importance owing to the interest taken by Greeks of this period in gynecology-while he also wrote minor works on the eye and on the liver.
The social, cultural, political and intellectual climate of Hellenistic Alexandria in the third century BC provided Herophilus with opportunities to dissect – and possibly vivisect – human bodies. He was thus able to make an unprecedented number of anatomical discoveries and accompanying accurate descriptions.
Herophilus is recognized as the first person to perform systematic dissection of the human body predating even Andreas Vesalius, (often regarded as the founder of modern human anatomy) despite the taboos that prevailed regarding desecration of the human body at that time.
Herophilus’ contribution to the anatomy of the brain, cerebellum, and ventricles was described by Galen in De usu particum. Herophilus is believed to be one of the first to differentiate nerves from blood vessels and tendons and to realize that nerves convey neural impulses.
Herophilus: Ancient Greek anatomist
