Nestor Maksimovich-Ambodik»s contribution to the art of healing

Abstract

Nestor Maksimovich Maksimovich-Ambodik is considered one of the founders of obstetrics, it was he who came up with the idea of using obstetric forceps. Maksimovich-Ambodik was the first to prepare and publish the well-known treatise "The Art of Midwifery, or the Science of Women's Business". More than one generation of students studied according to his textbooks. It is noteworthy that he was the first to start teaching at a medical university in Russian; before that, all lectures were given in Latin. However, few people know that this scientist was also seriously involved in the issues of herbal medicine. In 1784, the scientist published the book "Encyclopedia of Nutrition and Healing, compiled by the personal physician of Her Imperial Majesty Catherine II in 1784, professor N. Ambodik", which is the richest collection of descriptions of medicinal plants. In his medical practice, this scientist and doctor gave preference to medicinal herbs, believing that the more complete the unity of an individual with nature is, the faster s/he will be able to achieve harmony and defeat the disease. Thus, Nestor Maksimovich-Ambodik can rightfully be considered the founder of not only obstetrics, but also herbal medicine.