Archaeological Museum of Bologna

Up to 219 BC, when the first Greek physician arrived in Rome, medicine was essentially in the hands of the paterfamilias and based on natural and empirical treatments, many of which involved magical rites. For many centuries, however, Roman medicine was practised by foreign physicians, mainly Greeks, who were often slaves or of humble origin. No real medical training existed nor was there any public control over the education of physicians. Anyone could call himself a “doctor”, and his only guarantee was provided by the gaining of a good reputation. Medical centres were known as tabernae medicae, which functioned at the same time as “out-patient clinics”, dispensaries, first-aid centres, as well as hospitals for post-operative periods. Their modest furnishings included box seats, containers for medical instruments, medicines, sheets, bandages, earthenwares vessels for water, oil and wine, chairs, stools and a cot. Much more abundant were the instruments: scales, spoons, spatulas, glass containers to prepare and conserve the medicines, scalpels, pliers, hooks, probes, catheters, cannulas, needles, and scissors.

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Surgical and cosmetic implements
The Museum collection boasts a large number of bronze implements, including items for body and cosmetic care, surgical instruments and tools of various types. The first group includes an auriscalpum, for cleaning the ear, and tweezers for depilation; medical instruments include scalpels and probes for cleaning and cauterizing wounds, but also mixing and applying pharmaceutical preparations; the tools include needles with forked tips for knotting and mending nets.