660:
consultation with other doctors. Was the first community physician in 1837. Their descendants moved to Greece. Dr Oben (Aubin, 1817) a
Frenchman. He was requesting to become ‘Officier de Santé de la Nation Française’ i.e. government doctor. It is recorded that he diagnosed the plague on a patient, who also had anthrax. Christoforo Castellani (1821) was an Italian, private physician to Kutchuk Mehmet, Governor of Cyprus. The French Dr Joseph Irene Foblant 1839 was said that he used to put a coin under the pillow of poor patients, so that they could buy food. Pavlos Pieridis Picozis (1815–1865), studied at the
652:
196:
picked it up quickly and put it back on the altar, but he burned his fingers in the process. He put his fingers in his mouth instinctively to soothe the burn. He liked the taste of the juices and he then decided to eat the meat. He was punished for this, but others followed in his steps and eventually the
Cypriots became meat eaters.
700:
The first few decades of
British coincided with an era of medical and scientific advances throughout the empire. Cyprus benefited both indirectly and directly: the new colonial outpost provided jobs for British doctors and nurses, but the British also encouraged indigenous Cypriots to pursue medical
672:
From the decade commencing in 1830 both Muslim and
Christian citizens of Cyprus became increasingly aware of the need to control public health. An example is the fundraising in Larnaca in order to fund an institution to control disease outbreaks imported from shipping through the port. In 1835 the
635:
Dr
Dimanel and Dr Dende (c1705) were ‘Docteurs de Nation Française’. They were recorded in certificates in from the French embassy in Cyprus. Dr Guerin and Dr Donde (c1730) were surgeons who prepared a perfumed concoction to disinfect the house when somebody died. Xatzi Georgios X Liasi Chalepli 1742
195:
living animals. With time, they began sacrificing living animals, believing in the concept of ‘a soul for a soul’ (psychi anti psychis), and burned the animal after the sacrifice. According to legend, during a sacrificial burning one day, a piece of flesh accidentally fell on the floor and the priest
664:
and was the personal physician to the governor of Cyprus. Dr
Antonios Tsepis (1868) was a Greek doctor who settled in Larnaca. He was in charge of the quarantine 1883–1905. Dr Thrasyvoulos Ropas (1870) was also a military doctor. He was a very good physician, but it was said that he was an eccentric
614:
Cyprus depended on the ‘Consiglio
Maggiore di Venezia’. The government paid the salary of some doctors, whereas others were private. There were doctors, midwives and practical doctors, who were practicing venesection, cautery, purging, and sniffing. Two doctors are mentioned by name: Bulien de Nores
594:
origin. Curing saints were very in demand, particularly by the lower social classes. The higher classes paid for qualified doctors. For example, The historian
Macheras says that St Mamas is 'miraculous all over the world, and if I was going to write about his cures, I wouldn't be able to do it while
631:
In Cyprus there were too many sick people due to the frequent malaria epidemics, and too few doctors. Qualified doctors were working well and paid well. In addition, doctors were selling drugs for extra income. The first doctor of that period was Aloise Cucci (1625). He was an
Italian who lived in
683:
Nonetheless, there was, to all intents and purposes, no functioning state medical system in Cyprus under
Ottoman rule. There are reports of a Turkish military hospital near the Paphos gate in Nicosia; the only other hospital facility recorded in this period was the House of the Nuns in Larnaca.
589:
as an emissary to mediate and try to find a compromise on several political issues between the Genoese and Franks. He was successful and he was said to have achieved 'real and firm' cooperation. This indicates that some doctors had heavy political involvement in the government. Other doctors were
505:
wrote: ‘... you are not an ordinary doctor, but a teacher also’. He was very experienced both in the theory and practice of medicine. He wrote many books, none of which has survived. Other doctors were: Apollonides, Onasilaos, Oktaousios, Ktisias Knidios, Paion of Amathus, Leonidas Skythinou,
522:
was based on common sense rather than scientific ideas. Byzantine physicians supported Christian philanthropy, with development of hospitals and organisations (nosokomeia, xenones), for the first time in medical history. They offered treatment to all patients regardless of social or economic
178:
who was also worshipped in Kition. Bronze snakes (medical symbols) were found near where their temple was believed to be. It is known that during the 5th century BC, the Phoenicians were making false teeth. Doctors were making the drugs themselves and had fixed charges for each drug. Several
659:
Dr Kostandinos Valsamaki (Varsamas) (1779) He was a descendant of Balsamina Doukaina, Iakobos Gabras, Alexandros Tsaphas Argyros. was married to the daughter of Dr Vondiziano. He studied in Padova. His son Pavlos was also a doctor and was charging 8 piastres for a home visit, and 18 for a
546:(vlotomes). A local proverb for those who react excessively to a small problem, is "apou poni vathkia vlootoma" (he who has pain, venesects deeply). Also mentioned was a Byzantine trick: "In order to seduce a man put a few drops of menstrual blood in his coffee."
708:. His salary was £50 a year. In 1881 the hospital had 113 inpatients and 3485 outpatients. This was housed in some small buildings in the centre of the town and was locally called ‘ta spitouthkia tous arostous’ (the little houses of the sick).
71:, headaches and head injuries. They used a famous ‘poultice of figs’ to cure boils and the local healers had a concept of cleaning, washing and disinfecting the water. Common diseases in Cyprus were those in every Mediterranean country, namely
570:, and pilgrimages to the saints. A surgeon was locally called 'surgentis', the hospital 'spitalli' and the midwives 'mammouthes', who also performed virginity examinations. A medical doctor was called ‘doctor of physic’ as opposed to a
465:
Apollodoros of Kition, recommended radish seeds in water against poisoning. He wrote 'Peri Myron Ke Stefanon' (On Perfumes and Wreaths) where he recommended rose wreaths for headaches. He also wrote 'Peri Thirion' (On Beasts).
687:
At the time, there were also plans to create the post of a municipal doctor. The major cities of Cyprus were full of prostitutes to cater for the needs of the newly arrived British soldiers. This led to an increase of
639:
Dr Gerolamo Varlamo (Varlaam) (1770) had the qualification ‘Dottore Veneto di Medicina’. From Venice he came to Cyprus through Corfu. He studied in Padova. Drs Giuseppe Zambelli and Francesco A Patriarca (1794), from
445:) was used to improve the appetite and for stomach problems, as well as for neuralgias and pain, urinary problems and insect bites. Apollo Melanthios, also called Opaon Melanthios, was worshipped all over Cyprus
455:
wrote: "the salt of Kitium is very good..." Salt was used for cleaning wounds and stopping hemorrhage, insect or snake bites, fungal infections. This was used both in antiquity and in contemporary popular
665:
and a humorist. He was announcing the deaths of his patients for his own advertisement. Frederic Charles Heidenstam (1876), who was a Swede, came to Cyprus and became chief medical officer in 1882.
673:
first Quarantine in Larnaca received bi-communal funding; however the Quarantine in Limassol did not open until 1845, and was a Christian-only initiative. Coincidental to the local efforts, the
126:
was the soul, and the heart was where consciousness was located. They knew that the heart is a beating organ, and that the throat carried food to the stomach. Medicine was practiced by
538:. They rubbed it on a wet clay pot (couza), and spread the resulting mud on the boil. For earache they used warm olive oil and for trachoma they washed the eyes with urine or
578:
was called 'myropsios'. Mastre (Magistro) was a title given to doctors, as well as to chief musicians (hence ‘Maestro’), chief builders (hence ‘Master’) and army officials.
623:
and he was sent by the Venetian government. His salary was 300 ducats a year, quite high for a doctor. In general, the Christian doctors were better paid than the Jews.
212:, very similar to those commonly used in the 1930s was also found. A known doctor of the period was Diagoras the Cypriot (3rd century BC). He was mentioned by
183:
Amyklos, the god of healing, were found mainly near Kition. A doctor mentioned by name was Onasilaos. He was a military doctor living in Idalhion (present day
122:
could shoot arrows to cause diseases, whereas other gods could cause ageing. They believed that Thymos was the life force present in all living organisms,
489:
and wrote many medical books. His most well known was ‘On Joints’ (Peri Arthron), comments on treatment of joint injuries, based on Hippocrates.
307:(abundant in Cyprus) was heated to produce zinc carbonate and zinc hydro silicate called Cadmian Earth, and stirred with reed (kalami) to make "
987:
648:
and then in Larnaca. They had a written agreement to work together as partners in medicine and surgery, and to share the income for 10 years.
67:. Trepanning of the skull was also in use (a technique used since 10000 BC. This was thought to release the ‘bad spirits’ and was used in
228:. Diagoras was famous outside Cyprus. He was specifically interested in pharmacology and he devised the ‘Great Collirio’ used for burns,
1002:
558:
and other more senior doctors. Ignorance and malpractice where punished, sometimes by death. The Lusignians used affumications, herbs,
692:. The municipalities used to keep a record and photographs of the prostitutes, asking them to have frequent medical examinations.
992:
581:
A physician known as Mastre Gky (c1300), was probably Dr Guido de Pagnolo, an Italian living in Cyprus and personal friend of
420:) its roots were used for pain and its green leaves as anti-inflammatory. The outside shell mixed with vinegar was used for
997:
689:
632:
Cyprus, a well-informed and wise doctor. There were many others mentioned by name, both Cypriot and French. Examples are:
530:. Traditional medicine (iatrosofia) becomes established. Examples of treatments are: santalon (a light stone) is used for
615:
from a baronial family, and Jane de Rames (1489–1571). The latter was born in Cyprus but also lived and practised in
705:
138:
and higher than craftsmen. They used a variety of surgical instruments, as well as medicinal plants and ointments.
926:
Dimitrakopoulos, Ioannis; Dimitriades, Dimos; Kaloudi, Constantina; Sapountzi-Krepia, Despina (2015-09-01).
661:
651:
187:
village). Together with his two brothers, probably male nurses, treated the injured in a battle against the
91:, skin infections, boils, eye infections (due to dust and flies), fractures and injuries. Epidemics such as
311:" lotion. This, as today, is used for treating wounds, drying wet skin, ulcers and general skin antiseptic.
64:
274:, so it draws water from the bacteria. Honey contains inhibine which is involved in a reaction producing
939:
474:
wrote extensively about him, praising his abilities. Synesis the Cypriot (4th century BC) mentioned by
95:
were common. Many believed that healing was possible by believing in God, and the healers used special
27:
has its roots into ancient times. Many of the classical practices were well documented at the time by
482:
502:
390:
123:
599:
1348 Epidemic (plague?). "God sent a great death because we are sinners, half of the island died".
542:. The mammouthes (practical nurses) assisted during childbirth, and also used cupping (cazia) and
519:
208:
was first used in ancient Greece and some contemporary specula were found in Cyprus. A pure gold
100:
684:
This was founded in 1844 and provided free healthcare until its closure in 1922 (Reference 21).
595:
alive". Other saints were thought to cure fever, malaria, sciatica etc. Examples of epidemics:
701:
careers. Thus saying, during this period even Cypriot medical staff were trained off-island.
275:
60:
87:. Drought affected the water supplies making the water poisonous. Other common diseases were
913:
862:
850:
829:
790:
666:
590:
Mastre Pier Vryonas, Mastre Gabriel Zintilis, and Mastre Synglitikos, all believed to be of
372:
366:
205:
191:. Originally the Cypriots were vegetarians consuming no meat at all, as it was forbidden to
742:
Theodoros Loukaides, Medicine in Ancient Cyprus, Cyprus medical Journal 1953, vol VI, no3-4
952:
751:
567:
467:
452:
360:
221:
43:
Medical practice in ancient Cyprus is believed to reflect general medical principles from
413:
Terminthos (trimithia) helped in urinary problems, against indigestion, and in hair loss
236:, eye ache (ponommatos), and discharge from the eye. The Collirio was also used to cure
674:
490:
442:
378:
92:
72:
44:
28:
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927:
591:
401:
384:
341:
241:
417:
298:
229:
184:
104:
80:
48:
32:
733:
Madga Ohnefalsch-Richter. Griechische Sitten und Gebrauche auf Cypern, Berlin 1913
704:
The first formal hospital was created in Larnaca in 1879 and the first doctor was
352:, contains opium and snake flesh, was used for many ailments including snake bites
543:
535:
486:
471:
396:
322:
318:
292:
213:
159:
763:
Asclipiades the Cypriot, Archaia Kypros Eis Tas Ellinicas Pegas vol 3, Medicine
494:
435:
134:, who treated any other disease. Their position in the society was lower than
131:
107:. The sick were looked after in local sanctuaries, under the care of priests.
76:
680:
ordered the establishment of port Quarantines throughout the Ottoman Empire.
645:
559:
515:
498:
475:
286:
257:
233:
225:
192:
163:
147:
111:
56:
248:
there is a stone ring with the inscription 'Diagorou', and the head of the
582:
431:
421:
344:
308:
279:
271:
237:
209:
155:
135:
68:
20:
754:, Medicine in Ancient Kition and Old Larnaca. Larnaca Municipality 2001
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563:
555:
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408:
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Rust from oxidized iron was used to cure wounds, and in water, against
349:
314:
245:
171:
151:
127:
119:
96:
88:
904:
Kypros Chrisanthis. From the History of Cypriot Medicine, Nicosia 1983
928:"Healthcare Services in Cyprus during the Ottoman Period 1571 – 1878"
802:
Plini Secundi: Naturalis Historiae ed Car. Mayhoff, Lipsiae, Teubneri
781:
Plini Secundi: Naturalis Historiae ed Car. Mayhoff, Lipsiae, Teubneri
677:
641:
620:
616:
527:
427:
253:
249:
180:
167:
115:
24:
793:, Medicine in Cyprus (Iatriki en Kypro) Kypriaca Chronica 1923 1:177
636:
was a Cypriot, born in Beirut, but lived and practiced in Larnaca.
35:
physicians, and some therapies have originated from Cyprus itself.
650:
605:
1470 Plague, lasted three years and killed 75% of the inhabitants.
586:
531:
337:
333:
327:
267:
217:
188:
84:
52:
526:
During this period there was an increasing reliance on cures by
448:
355:
304:
260:
the blood from the Medusa, believed to have healing properties.
175:
330:
used as wound healer, as it contains anti-inflammatory enzymes
655:
Memorial plate Dr Foblant at St. Joseph's Convent in Larnaca
554:
Doctors were allowed to practice only after permission from
478:, must have been famous. He was also mentioned as Synesios.
404:. It was used generously because its power is short-lived.
114:(c1500 BC) believed that any god could cause a disease.
841:
Hippocratis: Opera Omnia ed Kuhn, vol XII, Lipsiae 1826
832:. Medicine in Cyprus, Kypriaka Chronica vol A, 1923 p76
47:
and the Middle East. Local doctors were commonly using
968:
Protectorate Cyprus: British Imperial Power Before WWI
874:
Iatrosoficon, Holy Monastery of Macheras, Nicosia 1924
865:
Theurapeutics in Cyprus. Elephtheria, 13/26 March 1910
240:, with the addition of opium into the mixture. In the
811:
Dioscorides Anazarbei de Materia Medica Berolini 1918
895:Andreas Georgiathis. Gastria- Patriki:Nicosia 1992
270:, which is antibacterial. It works because it is
669:(1877), was a municipal doctor and historian.
485:(1st century BC). He was known as the Cypriot
619:. The local Cypriots requested a doctor from
174:). She was married to the Middle Eastern god
8:
585:. King Pier I of France sent Mastre Gky to
285:Fat used as antibacterial, also for making
130:, who treated wounds in battle, and by the
772:Ar. Kouzi History of Medicine, Athens 1929
724:Paul Astrom. Hala Sultan Tekke vol 8;1983
518:in Cyprus lasted from 647 AD to 1191 AD.
340:, on burns. It is bacteriostatic against
321:, is an antiseptic, also active against
717:
481:The most famous doctor of the time was
158:), goddess of fertility, nutrition and
948:
937:
602:1409 Great epidemic (‘Mega Thanatico’)
506:Nouminios Solevs, Phedas Damassagorou
820:Aristotelis:Opera Omnia, Lipsiae 1884
493:(361 AD) founded a medical school in
7:
916:Kypriaka Chronica 1931 Year H, vol 2
263:Material used by Greek physicians:
884:Chronicles of Macheras A. Pavlides
282:with known antibacterial activity.
14:
853:Kypriaka Chronica p75 1923, March
291:The white milk of figs, used for
886:. Second Edition, Nicosia 1995
1:
988:History of medicine in Cyprus
690:sexually transmitted diseases
451:(from the local salt lakes).
63:, bitter herbs in water, and
166:. Astarte was worshipped in
278:(antiseptic), and contains
1019:
1003:History of Cyprus by topic
441:Melanthion (mavrokoccos) (
438:) were used as antiseptics
400:. It contains alcohol and
301:(Livani), is an antiseptic
179:inscriptions referring to
150:goddess of pregnancy was
336:was used on wounds, for
142:Phoenicians (900–800 BC)
662:University of Edinburgh
461:Ancient Cypriot Doctors
252:. According to legend,
993:Ancient Greek medicine
947:Cite journal requires
656:
550:Lusignians (1192-1473)
654:
610:Venetians (1489-1570)
59:, resins from trees,
998:Traditional medicine
483:Apollonios of Kition
295:- to stop hemorrhage
23:and therapeutics in
966:HOOK, Gail (2015).
696:British (1879-1960)
200:Greeks (460–357 BC)
657:
644:, were working in
520:Byzantine medicine
497:. His student was
416:Kalamos (kalami) (
162:, identified with
39:Primitive medicine
627:Turks (1571-1878)
514:The influence of
426:Fragrant plants (
276:hydrogen peroxide
1010:
972:
971:
963:
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914:Neoclis Kyriazis
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863:Neoclis Kyriazis
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851:Neoclis Kyriazis
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830:Neoclis Kyriazis
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791:Neoclis Kyriazis
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667:Neoclis Kyriazis
562:, venesections,
373:Salmonella typhi
367:Escherichia coli
216:with regards to
206:vaginal speculum
19:The practice of
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361:Vibrio cholerae
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501:. The Emperor
491:Zeno of Cyprus
462:
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443:nigella sativa
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402:anthocyanidins
379:staphylococcus
353:
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331:
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312:
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143:
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93:bubonic plague
73:food poisoning
45:Ancient Greece
40:
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15:
13:
10:
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6:
4:
3:
2:
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385:Streptococcus
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220:use, also by
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170:(present day
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534:, boils and
525:
513:
480:
464:
418:arundo donax
395:
389:
383:
377:
371:
365:
359:
299:Frankincense
262:
230:exophthalmos
203:
145:
109:
105:incantations
81:tuberculosis
49:frankincense
42:
18:
544:venesection
536:tonsillitis
487:Hippocrates
472:Dioscorides
397:Pseudomonas
323:pseudomonas
319:acetic acid
293:coagulation
214:Dioscorides
160:gynaecology
982:Categories
712:References
523:position.
510:Byzantines
495:Alexandria
436:bay leaves
272:hypertonic
148:Phoenician
132:Physicians
77:sun stroke
646:Famagusta
560:astrology
516:Byzantion
499:Oribasius
476:Aristotle
456:medicine.
287:ointments
258:Asclepius
234:keratitis
226:Erotianus
193:sacrifice
164:Aphrodite
112:Myceneans
57:olive oil
583:Petrarch
432:lavender
422:alopecia
358:, kills
345:bacteria
309:calamine
280:propolis
256:gave to
238:headache
210:otoscope
156:Astoreth
136:nobility
69:epilepsy
65:mandrake
61:wormwood
21:medicine
675:Ottoman
576:chemist
572:surgeon
568:purging
564:cautery
556:bishops
540:sambuca
409:anaemia
391:Proteus
350:Theriac
315:Vinegar
246:Nicosia
172:Larnaca
152:Astarte
128:healers
120:Artemis
97:rituals
89:leprosy
678:Sultan
642:Naples
621:Venice
617:Padova
574:. The
528:Saints
503:Julian
394:, and
254:Athena
250:Medusa
224:, and
181:Apollo
168:Kition
124:Psyche
116:Apollo
101:charms
25:Cyprus
16:Cyprus
587:Genoa
532:mumps
468:Pliny
453:Pliny
338:enema
334:Myrrh
317:, as
268:Honey
222:Pliny
218:opium
189:Medes
85:polio
53:myrrh
33:Roman
29:Greek
953:help
934:(3).
470:and
449:Salt
428:mint
356:Wine
328:Dung
305:Zinc
204:The
185:Dali
176:Baal
146:The
118:and
110:The
103:and
83:and
244:in
31:or
984::
944::
942:}}
938:{{
930:.
566:,
434:,
430:,
388:,
382:,
376:,
370:,
364:,
232:,
99:,
79:,
75:,
55:,
51:,
955:)
951:(
932:8
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