Greek Discoveries

Many discoveries and inventions were made during the Hellenistic Age in Greece. Four important discoverers and inventors were: Euclid, Thucydides, Hippocrates, and Archimedes. Each made important discoveries that are still important today. 

Euclid made important discoveries in Geometry.
Thucydides made important advances in the field of History.
Hippocrates made important advance in the field of medicine.
Archimedes made many discoveries in Science and Mathematics.

Directions:

1. Watch the following video for a brief description of each. 
2. Choose one person to research further.
3. Look for the post below the video that contains that person. 
4. Read the directions and post your answer. 

Video: An Amazing Legacy: Discoveries in Greece

Euclid's Geometry Inspires Artists

This is a video about Euclid's Geometry and the impacts it has had on many cultures. While watching the video, focus on how his discoveries are used today. 

Click on this link to watch the video: Euclid's Geometry

Euclid's work has inspired many artists in every century. After watching the video, write a paragraph describing how you may encounter Euclid's work in your every day life. Also, why do you think Euclid's work in Geometry is still important today? 

Thucydides, the Historian

Thucydides is known as the "father of scientific history." While watching the video, focus on his unique approach to recording history. This approach is widely used today to document events. Also, pay attention to the quotes from Thucydides and focus on the one that means the most to you.

Thucydides believed that there was no divine intervention in any human affairs and he set out to document historic events through the use of eyewitness accounts. He said:

"Most people, in fact, will not take the trouble in finding out the truth but are much more inclined to accept the first story they hear."

Write a paragraph that includes the following:
-Explain why is it important to document eyewitness accounts to record an event accurately?
-Choose your favorite quote and explain what you think it means. Why is this important to you?

Hippocrates, The Father of Western Medicine

Hippocrates is considered the "Father of Western Medicine." He was the first to believe that diseases were caused naturally and not as a result of superstition or gods. Hippocrates believed that listening to the observations of a patient is the most important procedure. He also believed that the way to a healthy life was through a healthy diet. While watching the video, pay attention to Hippocrates influences on today's medicine.

Hippocrates created the Hippocratic Oath. It has been modified since his time, but it still follows the same principles of professionalism, discipline, and rigorous practice. 

Below is the modern version of the Hippocratic Oath:

HIPPOCRATIC OATH: MODERN VERSION

I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, this covenant:

I will respect the hard-won scientific gains of those physicians in whose steps I walk, and gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who are to follow.

I will apply, for the benefit of the sick, all measures [that] are required, avoiding those twin traps of overtreatment and therapeutic nihilism.

I will remember that there is art to medicine as well as science, and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the surgeon's knife or the chemist's drug.

I will not be ashamed to say "I know not," nor will I fail to call in my colleagues when the skills of another are needed for a patient's recovery.

I will respect the privacy of my patients, for their problems are not disclosed to me that the world may know. Most especially must I tread with care in matters of life and death. If it is given me to save a life, all thanks. But it may also be within my power to take a life; this awesome responsibility must be faced with great humbleness and awareness of my own frailty. Above all, I must not play at God.

I will remember that I do not treat a fever chart, a cancerous growth, but a sick human being, whose illness may affect the person's family and economic stability. My responsibility includes these related problems, if I am to care adequately for the sick.

I will prevent disease whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to cure.

I will remember that I remain a member of society, with special obligations to all my fellow human beings, those sound of mind and body as well as the infirm.

If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art, respected while I live and remembered with affection thereafter. May I always act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my calling and may I long experience the joy of healing those who seek my help.

—Written in 1964 by Louis Lasagna, Academic Dean of the School of Medicine at Tufts University, and used in many medical schools today.

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In a paragraph, discuss which part of the oath you think was most important to Hippocrates. Also, describe why you think Hippocrates work is important today. Why do you think it is important that he created a system that required doctors to act professionally, have proper discipline, and to practice rigorously? 

Archimedes, the Scientist

Archimedes made many scientific discoveries. These discoveries included; Hydrostatics- Archimedes Principle (Density), Archimedes Screw, Principles of Levers, and Archimedes Claw. Watch the following videos about two of his most important discoveries.

Archimedes Principle (Density)

Archimedes Screw

Video: Science Channel- Archimedes Screw

After watching the videos, answer the following questions in a paragraph:

Have you ever used either of these discoveries? Besides the examples in the videos, how else might the Archimedes Screw and Principle be used in everyday life?

Of the two discoveries you just learned about, which do you think is the most important in today's society? Why do you think this?