Hippocrates in the context of Galen: Galen's commentary on the classification of fevers in Epidemics VI

Abstract

This paper elucidates the relationship between Hippocrates and Galen concerning the classification of fever and illustrates Galen's use and abuse of Hippocrates. Galen used Epidemics VI in order to justify his own arguments on the classification of fever, based on the three forms of matter. A close examination of Galen's use of Epidemics VI does not support his justification. It turns out that it was Galen's theory-laden eyes that made Epidemics VI a founding ground for his fever theory.