Summary
In comparing and analyzing the contents of 28 medical printed books,
42 non-medical books which include medical subjects and the pre-revolutionary
journals synoptically can be said that, during the epoch of Neo-Hellenic
Enlightenment the following was observed:
1. During the pre-revolutionary decades 54% of the medical texts
and 64% of the non-medical books with medical subjects published,
more than those published during the second half of the 18th century,
a finding which shows the growing interest in the knowledge of European
medical science.
2. Half the number of medical books are a translation of the corresponding
European areas. The research proved that in about 6.6 years, the
corresponding European books were translated into Greek. A fact,
which shows how fast European medical knowledge was being transmitted
to Greek colleagues.
3. The scientific level in the medical books is quite good, if
we take into consideration the fact that the translations are made
from publications of famous doctors of that time, and with many
publications in other European languages.
Also, the publications of Greek medical texts were recommended
by distinguished professors-lecturers of European Universities and
of Greek scientists. Three medical books were commended for doctoral
Thesis at the Universities of Leipsie, Halle and Paris.
4. During the research it was made certain that the non-medical
books include anatomical figures and photos with components of human
organisms. The anatomical figures by Anthimos Gazis, in 1799, must
be considered as the first of its kind published in the books of
the Neo-Hellenic Enlightenment. Also, in 1812 anatomical figures
with skeleton and internal organs were published in color, by Kapetanakis
brothers.
5. Distinguishing is the case of the pre-revolutionary journal
"Hermes the Logious" in which is devoted, as we ascertained by
our research, 10% of the pages of the publication of medical articles,
mostly translated from valid medical European journals. Published
articles about breast feeding and upbringing of the infant, which
must be considered as one of the first pediatric texts of the era
of Neo-Hellenic Enlightenment.
6. In relevance to the bibliography which is contained in the books
and "Hermes the Logious" is certain that they inserted the contemporary
medical bibliography which shows the level of awareness of the Greek
writers in conveying up-to date scientific medical knowledge. Scientific
periodicals such as the one by F. Magendie "Experimental Physiology"
was presented. In particular, the book by Anastasios Georgiades
"Antipanaceia", Vienna 1810, must be considered as the book with
the richest bibliography during the Neo-Hellenic Enlightenment.
7. Through those books the new method of vaccination for the protection
of small-pox is brought to Greece. A relevant book published seven
years after the announcement of Ed. Jenner and six after the Latin
translation for the results of vaccination. It also contains a statistics
index with the deaths in Vienna, which is shown in the language
of numbers, the spectacular drop of infant mortality from smallpox
after 1800 when vaccination began.
8. Knowledge of physiology was transferred through experiments,
which were published in Greek books and pre-revolutionary journals.
The need for experimental assurance of the findings was then transferred
through that manner to the Greek region.
9. The authors of medical subjects passed on the new medical knowledge
and simultaneously created the basis of the Greek medical terminology.
Also, from our research, it was made clear that one hundred and
twenty five medical terms, which were introduced by the authors
are used today in the Greek medical terminology.
Finally, the doctor who were authors of medical books and medical
subjects in journals, transmitted scientific medical knowledge,
thus contributing in the education of the Greek public and playing
an enlightening role in the Renaissance of Greece.
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