Wpływ medycyny antycznej na postrzeganie zdrowia i choroby przez św. Hieronima w świetle jego wybranych pism

Abstract

Darrel Amundsen argues that there were thinkers in early Christianity who recognized the natural causality of disease, used or recommended to others the use of ancient physicians and their recommendations for preventive health, that is, they were influenced by ancient medicine. The purpose of this article is to show the influence of ancient medicine on St. Jerome's view of health and disease. An analysis of his rather abundant literary oeuvre makes it possible to note that especially his letters addressed to various persons show a considerable knowledge of the subject of ancient medicine, a familiarity with the works of the most eminent physicians of antiquity, and the use of the knowledge that arises from these works, above all, in giving advice of a medical nature. This paper discusses the following: Ancient medicine and its approach to illness and health; Jerome on his own illnesses and the illnesses and sufferings of others; knowledge of ancient medicine in the work of St. Jerome; Jerome's medical advice.