Though legends abound of the medical exploits of the early
settlers of Italy, little historical evidence has been found to
support it. The first treatise on this subject, written by Cato the
Elder (234 BCE), described the mix of magic and folk medicine that
would help the early Roman Republic survive without doctors. In
about 200 BCE the influence of Greek medicine began to be felt and
it was widely accepted by 120 BCE. The Roman methods of medicine
were put down by Celsus (ca. 14 BCE) in his treatise, On Medicine.
Usage Of Medicine
The beginnings in anatomy brought about by the Greeks were
further developed by Galen (ca. 130-200 CE). He attained knowledge
of human anatomy while treating casualties at the gladiator games.1
From his experiments he compiled a sixteen-volume book called On
Anatomical Procedure which would become the standard for anatomical
knowledge up to the seventeenth century.
Roman surgeons developed many surgical implements, some highly
detailed, whose remains were found in Pompeii. These include forceps
with perfectly aligned serrations and an instrument for
gynaecological examination. There is evidence of Romans using false
limbs. One known example is made of a wooden core with bronze sheets
attached to it as a covering.
The Romans had knowledge of natural anaesthetics, painkillers and
sleeping potions, such as the juice of poppies, henbane, hemlock and
datura (known as “mandrake”). However, mishaps due to overdoses
Medicine 
