marmara med j Marmara Medical Journal 1019-1941 1309-9469 Marmara University 10.5472/marumj.571589 Clinical Sciences Klinik Tıp Bilimleri De materia medica: where art and scientific principles pome together Ozdogan Elif 05 31 2019 32 2 94 96 03 15 2019 04 10 2019 Copyright © 1988, Marmara Medical Journal 1988 Marmara Medical Journal

This essay interprets and analyses the painting called “Dioscoridesdescribing the mandrake”, which is currently located in apermanent exhibition at Wellcome Collection in London, UK.The painting features Pedanius Dioscorides, a Greek botanistand pharmacologist who practiced in the Roman Empire duringthe rule of Nero. Dioscorides is known for his influential DeMateria Medica, a five-volume book on medicinal uses of variousplants and herbs. What makes this script special and influentialis that it included a vast amount of herbs, detailed descriptions,scientific observations, as well as a scientific classification andorder. Upon reflection on this piece of art, I am reminded of themedical realm that we are gradually becoming a part of as medicalstudents. There is immense passion, knowledge and intelligencein how medicine became modern medicine today. For me, thepainting on Dioscorides’ De Materia Medica is a compelling visualrepresentation of centuries – long endeavor.

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