GALEN, contrary to his name, which suggests an image of a 'calm' person, was anything but 'calm'. A combative and contentious man, sarcastic, proud of his knowledge, anatomical research, experience, and successes, he rightly considered himself an authority.
In agreement with the spirit of all Hellenistic philosophies, he did not recognize any distinction between ethical theory and practice: in every case, a person is what they do, and they do what they are - regardless of what they may claim, verbally or in writing.
He insisted that doctors should be philosophers and not mere professionals - or 'pharmacists', as he liked to call them...
