[Hippocrates and Schweitzer - comparison of their concepts of medical ethics]

Abstract

The Greek physician Hippocrates (c. 460-377 BC) is traditionally regarded as the founder of medicine as a scientific discipline and medical ethics. Hippocrates sought to rely on facts, observation and experiment in the diagnosis and treatment of illness. His work Corpus Hippocraticum included also the remarques on the aspects of environmental medicine. Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965), recipient of the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize, attained fame as a theologian and musician (his activity included a modern interpretation of J.S. Bach) before turning to missionary work in Africa. Having trained as a physician in Strasbourg, he founded (1913) a hospital at Lambarene, Gabon, to which he dedicated the rest of his life. Early in his life he felt deep "reverence for life". His philosophy culminated in an universal affirmative ethnics of an active charity.