JOURNAL OF RESEARCH ON HISTORY OF MEDICINE
Year:2012 | Volume:1 | Issue:3|Papers Count:6

Studying the history of science in ancient civilizations can help to shed light on the mysteries of the history of science as well as the contribution of nations to the growth of science in the world throughout the history. Among various branches of science, medicine is of particular importance and owing to the crucial role of physicians in this discipline; the present study has taken the role of physicians in ancient Persia (since the dawn of history to 637 AD) into account. To meet this end, the study has worked on the manuscripts remained from different historical era (Iranian and Non-Iranian) as well as the findings of the more recent research conducted on the history of Persian medicine. In the end, a sketch of the status of physicians in ancient Persia are presented: 1- Medicine in ancient Persian languages, 2- The status of medicine in ancient Persia, 3- Different kinds of physicians, 4- Persian physicians, 5- Non-Persian physicians in ancient Persia, and 6- Common medical rules and laws. The findings of the study depict the advanced medical system present in ancient Persia. It is also found that the high scientific and economic status of physicians and scientists in ancient Persia encouraged numerous non-Persian physicians to immigrate to Persia.

Amir Seyyed Fathollah Shirazi, a physician, historian and politician of Indian Mughal Empire court, was one of the scholars of Shiraz. Initially, he served as a teacher at Mansurieh School in Shiraz. He worked for Imamgholi Mirza, the brother of King Ismaeil II, from Safavid dynasty. After killing Imamgholi Mirza, by the Order of the King, he went to India following the invitation of the Muslim rulers of India. He later became the Prime Minister of Mughal Empire. He wrote many medical books. Also, he had an important role in transmitting Iranian knowledge and culture to India.

The relation between economy and medicine had a long history since ancient times. Supplying (providing) health care and the required drugs and medical equipments were the main concerns of the human communities even when they were at rather primitive stages of civilization. Later, in developed civilizations, trade was added to the concepts of medical economy. In this study, various economic activities, ranging from the physicians’ income to the export and import of medicines in one of the old civilizations, ancient Persia (from the beginning of the history to 637AD), are discussed. In these eras, it is found that patients, based on their social and economic levels, had to pay the physician fees for the office visit. The governments, in turn, tried to prepare free medical facilities such as free-of-charge hospitals for patients. On the other hand, physicians had high earning and important statues in the society. The trade of medicine was another important economic in ancient Persia. Ancient Persia was actively involved in importing and exporting different articles, including medicines. The findings of the study showed a close relationship between medicine and economy in the ancient Persia as witnessed by the social and governmental policies.

In this paper the practice of medicine in ancient Iran is studied. Mythology of ancient Iran has many references to how diseases were treated and medicine dispensed. There is even a mention of surgery; presumably the first caesarian section in the history of medicine is performed for the birth of mythological Persian hero, Rostam. This study looks at mythology, ancient Persian religious texts and historical books to discuss the practice of medicine in ancient Iran.