Erasistratus

Erasistratus (304–250 BC) was a Greek anatomist and royal physician under Seleucus I Nicator of Syria. Along with fellow physician Herophilus, he founded a school of anatomy in Alexandria. He is credited for his description of the valves of the heart, and he also concluded that the heart was not the center of sensations, but instead it functioned as a pump.

Life and Career

Erasistratus was born on the island of Chios, where he received his early education. He later studied in Athens and Alexandria. He is known to have performed vivisections on criminals provided to him by the king for his research.

Contributions to Medicine

Erasistratus made significant contributions to the field of medicine, particularly in the study of anatomy and physiology. He was one of the first to distinguish between veins and arteries. He also discovered the valves of the heart and believed the heart to be a pump that circulated blood throughout the body.

Legacy

Erasistratus' work laid the foundation for later physicians and anatomists. His theories on the circulatory system were groundbreaking for his time and paved the way for future medical discoveries.

See Also

• History of medicine
• Herophilus
• Seleucus I Nicator

References

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Erasistratus

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  Erasistratus discovers the love of Antiochus for Stratonice
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  Detail of a woodcut depicting Herophilus and Erasistratus