A very interesting exhibition about Ancient Greek Medicine can be seen at the Goulandris Natural History Museum until June 20th, in Kifissia just outside of Athens.  The exhibition, “Hippocratic Medicine Across the Centuries,” was co-organized by Goulandris Natural Museum, the District of South Aegean, the International Hippocratic Foundation Kos and the N.G.O. of "Hippocrates 2.500 years."  Amongst other exhibits, it includes texts and photographs from the History of Ancient Greek Medicine, various medicinal herbs and copies of their illustrations from Dioscurides' famous 512 B.C. treatise which is kept in Vienna.

Paintings of pharmaceutical plants — Photo courtesy of Goulandris Natural history museum

Casts of statues of Hippocrates, Asclepius and Ygeia are also included in the exhibits, together with votive offerings with medicinal pertinence, ancient silver, gold and bronze coins, surgical instruments from the 3rd century A.D. and medals and icons depicting Hippocrates, the father of medicine. Special emphasis is given to plants and herbs, with depictions of plants by Mrs. Niki Goulandri and oil paintings of pharmaceutical plants by 75 contemporary artists.

Depictions of plants — Photo courtesy of Goulandris Natural History Museum

Lectures will be given by Greek and foreign specialists on Ancient Greek Medicine and the use of plants in contemporary pharmacology, aromatherapy and cosmetology.  After its closing date, the exhibition will be transferred to the island of Kos.  Through the Ministry of External Affairs and UNESCO Association of Pireaus and islands, the exhibit will travel to at least ten other European cities, the United States, Russia, China and Japan.