The authors present and comment on the surgical methods performed on hermaphrodites and for castration, which are unique in the medical bibliography of Byzantium and were described by the famous physician of the 7th century, Paul of Aegina. The latter describes the techniques of reconstruction of hermaphrodites learned from the now lost work of the great surgeon of the 1st century AD, Leonidas from Alexandria. Paul of Aegina presents, with some ethical reservation, the scientific methods of castration used by surgeons only in cases of acts of God or for serious health reasons, where they were obliged to operate. The authors furthermore present the legal position of the state and the church in relation to a phenomenon so widespread in Byzantium as castration.

Keywords:
Byzantine medicine, Castration, Change of sex, Hermaphroditism, Leonidas, Medical ethics, Soranus
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1997 S. Karger AG, Basel
1997
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.