Chapter 7 - Anatomical Texts of the Roman Period

Summary

This chapter reveals the extent and variety of Roman anatomical literature beyond Galen. Many texts are completely lost or fragmentary; the chapter analyzes those that remain and reconstructs and contextualizes the nature and contents of those that do not. Rufus and the pseudo-Rufian texts are considered, including his experience with dissection and evaluation of evidence in Rufus vis-à-vis Galen’s assertion that Marinus was responsible for reviving anatomical activity. Detailed analysis of Marinus’ anatomical work is followed by the anatomical work of Quintus and his various students comes next, with discussion of Antigenes, Aiphicianos, Satyrus, Numisianus, Heracleianus, Pelops, Aelianus, and Lycus. The chapter then turns to anatomy in the pseudo-Galenic Doctor: Introduction, and then papyrological evidence for anatomical writing. Finally, it describes the Roman anatomical world in general, including how medical and philosophical sects approached anatomy, with discussions of the Erasistrateans, including Martianus, the Pneumatists, including Aretaeus, the Empiricists, the Methodists, including Soranus, the Stoics, the Peripatetics, and the Platonists, including Apuleius.