SCHOOL OF SALERNO

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 The doctor in the Middle Ages wasn't really focused on understanding what caused diseases or how to prevent or treat them smartly. Instead, he mainly spent his time gathering and memorizing information from different sources instead of asking questions or exploring new ideas.

It's fair to say that many writers from the Middle Ages were just copying down what they learned, without adding any new ideas, and they respected the old traditions and knowledge.They got caught up in quiet thinking. They discovered fresh interpretations of familiar expressions. They were careful to give new significance to old words, and their creativity in this process set the benchmark for their academic work.

Throughout this time, there were no fresh ideas, no innovative techniques, and no new trials. Questioning the teachings of Hippocrates and Galen was not just considered incorrect, but was seen as a serious offense that could lead to harsh punishments. The resurgence of medical practices in the West mainly occurred due to events that happened between the ninth and twelfth centuries A.D.

During that period, Muslim and Jewish scholars came into Christian Europe from places like Arabia, Egypt, Persia, and Spain. They boosted monastic education, leading to the creation of a major learning center that is often considered the first university in Europe. 

According to legend, it had four founders: (1) Elinus, the Jew; 

(2) Adale, the Arab; 

(3) Salernus, the Latin; and 

(4) Pontus, the Greek.

The doctors from Salerno were recognized as early as the ninth century, and it's likely that there was a continuous connection between ancient knowledge and modern education in Salerno, which was originally a Greek settlement and later became a Roman spa.

The 'Four Masters' could represent the four different cultural influences that shaped it during a time of racial conflict and blending. During this period, Arabs and Jews worked together with Christians to share and explore ideas. The School became known as 'the Source and Caregiver of National Medicine.'

Diseases were examined directly and simply, treatments were logical with a solid diet plan, Salernitan surgery was innovative, and skilled women advanced obstetrics and nursing. This was where a beneficial blend of medical knowledge from both Eastern and Western traditions took place.

There were a lot of smart guys on the teaching staff. One of them even had the guts to write a textbook that ignored mystical medicine and referenced Hippocrates, while another one boldly claimed that we should focus on studying the pulse and urine instead of the stars.

He suggested using diet as a way to treat patients instead of relying on prayer. Another physician in Salerno performed surgeries and even authored a book on the subject. Additionally, another doctor created a cookbook filled with recipes for those who were ill. One of the most fascinating doctors from Salerno wrote guidance for other physicians on how to conduct themselves. A section of his book is titled The Doctor's Visit, which offers advice such as praying to God before seeing a patient and gathering as much information as possible from the messenger on your way there.

If you can't find anything from the patient's pulse, you can still impress him and earn his trust by showing what you know about his situation. When you get there, ask the friends if the patient has admitted anything, because if you ask him to do that after your examination, it might scare him. Then, take a seat, have a drink, and compliment the beauty of the area and the house, if it's nice, or praise the generosity of the family. Don't rush to give your opinion; the friends will appreciate your judgment more if they have to wait for it.

When you're invited to dinner, don't rush to sit at the head of the table unless someone offers it to you. Make sure to check in on the patient often so they know you're not ignoring them for the sake of enjoying a meal, and when you leave, be sure to thank everyone for their hospitality. One of the most famous books ever, The Health Rules of Salerno, also came from Salerno. It was supposedly written for King Robert of England by John of Milan, who was in charge of the School at that time. This book wasn't meant for doctors but was designed for people to use at home.

The Regimen quickly gained popularity among educated people from all backgrounds, being regarded as a valuable guide for everyone who could understand its practical and sensible advice on living a healthy life. Its benefits were so widely acknowledged that it was first published in 1480, and since then, over three hundred editions of this renowned poem have been released in nearly every modern European language.

This poem captures the essence of truth in short, impactful lines that rhyme beautifully, making it easier to remember. It's written in simple language that reflects everyday wisdom, addressing the needs and challenges of real life, which makes it relatable to everyone.

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