A History of Geology and MedicineC.J. Duffin, R.T.J. Moody, C. Gardner-Thorpe Geological Society, 10 dic 2013 - 512 pagine The historical links between Geology and Medicine are surprisingly
numerous and diverse. This, the first ever volume dedicated to the
subject, contains contributions from an international authorship of
geologists, historians and medical professionals.
Rocks, minerals, fossils and earths have been used therapeutically since
earliest times and details recorded on ancient papyri, clay tablets,
medieval manuscripts and early published sources. Pumice was used to
clean teeth, antimony to heal wounds, clays as antidotes to poison, gold
to cure haemorrhoids and warts, and gem pastes to treat syphilis and
the plague, while mineral springs preserved health. Geology was crucial
in the development of public health. Medical men making important
geological contributions include Steno, Worm, Parkinson, Bigsby, William
Hunter, Jenner, John Hulke, Conan Doyle, Gorini and various Antarctic
explorers.
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