RE 2.1 (1895) 466 (#5), M. Wellmann; Manetti and Roselli (1994) 1536; Marganne (1998) 13–34; Ihm
(2002) #17.
Fabio Stok
Arkhide ̄mos (350 – 290 BCE)
G, Simples 2.5 (11.471–474 K.), cites D K’ work Arkhide ̄mos, in
which Diokle ̄s rejected Arkhide ̄mos’ view that oil-massages hardened the skin, which
absorbed the olive oil and blocked the pores, thus impeding the normal flow of secretions
and pneuma through the flesh; he therefore preferred dry massage, ibid. 2.6 (11.477).
P, 1.ind.12–13 (trees), 29–30 (animal-based drugs), and 33–35 (metals and pigments)
cites the doctor Archedemus, who may be the same person.
van der Eijk (2000–2001) fr.185.
PTK
Arkhigene ̄s of Apameia (95 – 115 CE)
Greek physician from Apameia, possibly son of P R. Arkhigene ̄s studied
medicine with A, practiced in Rome under Trajan, and died aged 63, his name
nearly synonymous with “physician” (Juvenal 6.236, 13.97, 14.251). He either taught medi-
cine, or had a group of followers (G, CMLoc 7.1 [13.14 K.]). Though fundamentally a
Pneumaticist, he also incorporated elements from contemporary medical thought, espe-
cially the four humors and the Hippokratic kairos. As a result, he was considered eclectic as
early as -G I 4 (14.684 K.), and was even credited with the
foundation of an “eclectic” school, just like Agathinos.
A productive writer, Arkhigene ̄s worked on physiology, pathology, and therapy. In physi-
ology, he followed mainly the Pneumaticist system, and particularly explored sphygmol-
ogy. He refined Agathinos’ definition of the pulse (sustole ̄ and diastole ̄), adding that each
phase is a movement that is “natural” (phusike ̄), i.e., involuntary. He also classified differ-
ent types of pulse according to qualities (with eight major types, Harris 1973: 251–257). His
work on sphygmology (Gale ̄n, Diff. Puls. 2.4 [8.576 K.]), and Gale ̄n’s seven-book commen-
tary (Febr. Diff. 2.8 [7.365 K.]), are lost (Ihm 2002: #89). Gale ̄n preserves abundant passages,
yet criticizes Arkhigene ̄s’ many distinctions of pulse quality (Diff. Puls. 2.10 [8.625–635 K.])
as well as his opacity (Febr. Diff. 2.8 [7.365 K.]).
Arkhigene ̄s wrote two works on pathology: Peri Topo ̄n and Peri Peponthoto ̄n Topo ̄n in three
books: Gale ̄n considered the latter “the best of all works” previously written on the topic
(Cris. 2.8 [9.670, 672 K.]). Arkhigene ̄s wrote on fevers (Peri Pureto ̄n Se ̄meio ̄seo ̄s: ibid. [9.668–
669, 672 K.]), on the development of diseases, i.e. the Hippokratic kairos (Peri to ̄n en tais Nosois
Kairo ̄n: Gale ̄n, De totius morb. temp. [7.461 K.]), and on chronic diseases (To ̄n Khronio ̄n Patho-
gno ̄monika: Gale ̄n, De Locis Affect. 3 [8.203 K.]). He collected his letters of medical advice to
friends and colleagues (ibid. 3.5 [8.150 K.]).
Arkhigene ̄s compiled an overview of surgery (Sunopsis to ̄n Kheirourgoumeno ̄n: O
Coll. 45.29 [CMG 6.2.1, p. 190], with scholia ad locum), influenced by L
A. He supposedly wrote on acute and chronic diseases, known through Arabic
sources (Ullmann 1972: 69–70); though Oreibasios (Coll. 8.1, CMG 6.1.1, p. 247) cites it as a
work only on chronic diseases. Arkhigene ̄s also wrote on materia medica, devoting at least an
entire book to castoreum (Gale ̄n, Simples 20.15 [13.337 K.]) and another to hellebore
(Gale ̄n, in Hipp. de Humor. 1 [16.124 K.]). Arkhigene ̄s also composed a treatise on medicines
ARKHIDE ̄MOS