Alexander of Tralles facts for kids

Alexander of Tralles, 1906, by Veloso Salgado (NOVA Medical School, Lisbon)

Alexander of Tralles (Medieval Greek: Ἀλέξανδρος ὁ Τραλλιανός) was a very important doctor in the Byzantine Empire. He lived from about 525 AD to 605 AD. He is known as one of the most skilled physicians of his time.

Life of a Famous Doctor

Alexander was born in Greece. His father, Stephanus, was also a doctor, and Alexander learned a lot from him. He also had another teacher, but we don't know their name. Alexander later dedicated his main book to this teacher's son, Cosmas.

Alexander was a very busy doctor. He had a lot of experience and was well-known. He traveled to many places like Spain, Gaul (which is now France), and Italy. Because he was so good, people often called him "Alexander the Physician."

He had four brothers: Anthemius, Dioscorus, Metrodorus, and Olympius. They were all very successful in their own careers too.

Alexander was not just someone who copied other people's work. He was an original writer. He wrote his most important book when he was quite old. This book shared what he had learned from his many years of helping patients. His writing was clear and easy to understand.

Interestingly, Alexander believed in using charms and amulets in his medical practice. For example, he suggested writing a special phrase on an olive leaf to help with agues (a type of fever). He also used holy names in his treatments for gout. Because he often suggested eating pork, it is thought that he was a Christian.

Alexander's Important Books

Alexander's main work is called Twelve Books on Medicine. This book was first printed in Latin. Later, it was published in Greek in Paris in 1548. This was a very important and rare edition.

Another book by Alexander that we still have today is a short guide called De Lumbricis. This book is about worms. It was first published in Greek and Latin in 1570.

Alexander also planned to write other medical books. He wanted to write about broken bones and head injuries. He also wrote a book about urine, which another doctor mentioned. He even had a book about eye diseases that was translated into Arabic. It seems he wrote many helpful medical guides during his lifetime.

See also

In Spanish: Alejandro de Trales para niños