Publication Type: | Journal Article |
Year of Publication: | 1956 |
Authors: | R. Hoeppli |
Journal: | Experimental Parasitology |
Volume: | 5 |
Pagination: | 398 - 412 |
Date Published: | 1956 |
Abstract: | The foregoing review shows that the knowledge of parasites was very limited before the seventeenth century when the use of the newly invented compound microscope became more general; it comprised the larger endo- and ectoparasites of man, of domestic animals and of a number of wild animals.The clinical symptoms connected with the infection by Ascaris, Enterobius, Taenia and hydatid cyst were well known from early times and are already mentioned in the Hippocratic collection. Although there are no references to the parasites themselves, it is highly probable that the ancient Egyptians knew the symptoms of Schistosoma haematobium infection, which was apparently also known in Mesopotamia. The Chinese in endemic regions were familiar with the symptoms of schistosomiasis japonica. Anemia possibly due to hookworm infection is mentioned in the Papyrus Ebers and early Chinese medical works give good descriptions of the symptoms of hookworm disease. The manifestations of Dracunculus medinensis infection were described in detail by Graeco-Roman and Arabic authors. Elephantiasis is comparatively frequently discussed in Graeco-Roman, Arabic and Indian publications and judging by the descriptions it included different diseases among them being leprosy especially. |