A short journey through the history of medical ethics

Abstract

Introduction. The understanding of history in general, as well as of the history of every particular human activity, is of utmost importance. Judging from the vast amount of available literature, this is especially true for the history of medical ethics. This article is a brief survey of the history of medical ethics from the ancient times to the present days. It includes the most important events, prominent names in the field of medicine of the given time, and the heritage they left behind in different parts of the world. Ancient Times. Although certain codes associated with the practice of healing existed in the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt, the most important is the heritage of ancient Greeks, primarily due to the activities of a small medical school on the island of Cos, headed by Hippocrates. Middle Ages. Even though the Middle Ages are often called the 'dark ages', this era was marked by significant scientific and medical advancements. It was the time when the first medical guilds were founded, and great medical works of Greco-Roman authors were rediscovered and translated. The Age of Enlightenment and the 19th Century. This was the period when numerous writings on medical ethics appeared, and medical associations were founded, first of all in the Great Britain and the United States of America. Modern Times. The twentieth century was characterized by unprecedented advances in medical practice and research. Of special importance is the foundation of the World Medical Association. Conclusion. In all the cultures of the world, through all the ages, the individuals involved in healing of the sick had to respect certain ethical codes of conduct.