Soranus of Ephesus: His Legacy in Neonatology and in Christian Writing
Thomas Heyne, M.D., M.St., Resident, Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School
Soranus of Ephesus (2nd century AD) is generally acknowledged as the ancient father of obstetrics. Less known is the fact that he was, in many ways, the father of neonatal medicine. Also, he was quite influential in the work of Tertullian of Carthage, one of the greatest early Christian writers.
First, I will describe neonatal practices recommended by Soranus of Ephesus, primarily relying on his treatise 'Gynecology.' Second, I will demonstrate Soranus' influence on Tertullian, based primarily on the latter's treatise 'On the Soul.'
Soranus of Ephesus' recommendations for neonatal care, derived from his knowledge of prior authors and from his own experience, show some striking similarities to pediatric guidelines today. He discouraged harmful folk practices and focused on gentle, rational care. His work influenced that of Tertullian of Carthage, whose treatises relied used Soranus' obstetrical knowledge for theological arguments about the human soul and about Christ's nature.
Soranus of Ephesus (2nd century AD) is generally acknowledged as the ancient father of obstetrics. Less known is the fact that he was, in many ways, the father of neonatal medicine. Also, he was quite influential in the work of Tertullian of Carthage, one of the greatest early Christian writers.
First, I will describe neonatal practices recommended by Soranus of Ephesus, primarily relying on his treatise 'Gynecology.' Second, I will demonstrate Soranus' influence on Tertullian, based primarily on the latter's treatise 'On the Soul.'
Soranus of Ephesus' recommendations for neonatal care, derived from his knowledge of prior authors and from his own experience, show some striking similarities to pediatric guidelines today. He discouraged harmful folk practices and focused on gentle, rational care. His work influenced that of Tertullian of Carthage, whose treatises relied used Soranus' obstetrical knowledge for theological arguments about the human soul and about Christ's nature.