Lecture: "Hippocrates in prison? How Classical Myths Spread Online." by Rydell Professor Helen KingMarch 12, 2018 at 7–9 p.m.

Rydell Visiting Professor Dr. Helen King will give a lecture titled "Hippocrates in Prison? How Classical Myths Spread Online."

Hippocrates, the ‘Father of Medicine', remains an attractive figure for those interested in health and disease today. While classical scholars and historians of medicine have moved away from attributing any of the treatises of the Hippocratic corpus to the historical Hippocrates, in popular culture interest in Hippocrates is continuing to develop. Quotes, memes and tweets attribute the origins of many different aspects of contemporary medicine and complementary treatments to his words or actions, and describe his personality. In this talk, Dr. Helen King will address claims made about Hippocrates' use of food and his holistic approach and set these beliefs into their historical context.

Dr. Helen King is Professor Emerita of Classical Studies at the Open University in England. She is a leading expert on ancient medicine and its influence throughout the Renaissance and the early modern period. The Rydell Professorship gives students the opportunity to interact with leading scholars.