Claudius Galenus

Revolutionized medical practice through systematic anatomical studies and physiological theories that shaped Western medicine for 1,500 years

Claudius Galenus (129-216 CE), commonly known as Galen, transformed medical knowledge through groundbreaking anatomical research and clinical practices. As personal physician to Roman emperors, he synthesized Hippocratic medicine with experimental observations, establishing principles that became medical dogma until the Renaissance.

His revolutionary approach included:

• Detailed studies of brain anatomy through animal dissections
• Discovery of blood circulation differences between arteries and veins
• Development of pharmacological compounds (Galenic formulations)

Galen's Three-System Theory (brain-heart-liver) and Four Humors concept became foundational to Western medicine. His 500+ treatises preserved ancient medical knowledge while adding original insights about pulse diagnosis and nervous system function.