The Life And Works Of Alexander Of Tralles

Year 2003, Volume: 4 Issue: 2, 35 - 41, 01.08.2003

Semra Erpek

Abstract

Alexander of Tralles, who was well known among early Byzantine physicians, was born in Tralles near the
modern city of Aydýn. No English and Turkish translations of the writings of Alexander exist. The aim of the
current study is to present the life and works ofAlexander of Tralles. Literature search was performed concerning
Alexander's works and the results were presented in this study.
Alexander of Tralles has combined his personal experience, which he gained from the places he had visited, with
the classical methods that were described in medical text books and applied varying treatments to his patients.
When he was too old to work as a doctor anymore, Alexander wrote down the cures and treatments which he had
found to be most effective through his long years of experience. The “Treatise on Fevers”, the “Letter on
Intestinal Worms” and the “Twelve Books”, concerning various diseases and their treatments are the surviving
writings of Alexander. The patient was always the of primary importance for Alexander, who was known for
being sympathetic to individual feelings and fears. This has lead to Alexander's acceptance of magical
incantations, amulets, and magico-medical charms, as useful when appropriate.
Alexander's works prove his great ability in the application of medical and surgical treatments, and understanding
of the needs of the patient.

Keywords

Alexander of Tralles

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