Hippocrates of Kos is one of the forerunners of the art of medicine. He was even given the nickname 'father of medicine'. He treated based on observation and experience, and his basic principle was not to harm the sick. It is an excerpt from the Latin version of his maxim that can be found in the title of the exhibition prepared by the MUW Museum of the History of Medicine. The exhibition 'Vita brevis, ars longa' is a collection of many interesting information and engravings presenting medicine in Greece during the time of this eminent physician and thinker.
"Vita brevis, ars longa, occasio praeceps, experimentum periculosum, iudicium difficile", i.e. "Life short, art long, opportunity fleeting, experience perilous, judgment not easy". How should the Hippocratic maxim be understood? Grażyna Jermakowicz, director of the Museum, explains: - The words of a famous Greek doctor from the island of Kos mean that the life of one man is not enough to fathom medicine, but the work of many generations is needed. He goes on to add: - "Vita brevis, ars longa" are also words that can be found in our Museum's logo. They relate to his mission - to preserve the scientific heritage of our Alma Mater for future generations.
on 12 December, the exhibition was officially opened by Prof. Zbigniew Gaciong, Rector of MUW. - The exhibition shows an important part of the history of medicine - the moment when medicine becomes a science but retaining some elements of art that are still needed today. Because, for example, the ability to talk to patients and their families are qualities that are extremely useful today," stressed the Rector. The exhibition was also encouraged by Prof. Adam Lukaszewicz of the UW Department of Archaeology. - What is extremely important about this view of ancient medicine is that it is part of our heritage. We are heirs to the same civilisation. Only the technical means at our disposal change, while the ideas themselves, which come from antiquity, remain our ideas. That is why studying them and looking at them is so vitally important to us," said Prof. Lukaszewicz.
The authors of the exhibition are Agata Małkowska and Monika Klimowska from the MUW Museum of the History of Medicine. In addition to plaques dedicated to the person and legacy of Hippocrates, the exhibition also provides information about the island's most important and largest monument - the Asklepiejon. - Greek medicine is inextricably linked to the belief in the gods of medicine. That is why the exhibition shows, among others, Apollo, who was considered the founder of medicine. There is his son Asklepios, Askleipios' wife Epiona and daughters Hygiea, Panakei, Iaso," lists Agata Malkowska. The centre of the exhibition is decorated with a specially made sticker - a replica of a mosaic showing Asklepios arriving on Kos and Hippocrates welcoming him. The original is in the central atrium at the Archaeological Museum on Kos.
"Vita brevis, ars longa" is now available to all visitors. We invite you to the first floor of the MUW Library and Information Centre, to the Temporary Exhibitions Gallery.
