The Contribution of the Pre-Columbian to the European Medical Matter

Abstract

The discovery of America stil goes on though the analysis of its medical matter. From the exploitation of the resources made by Columbus, to the comprehension of local civilizations and to the reception of their therapeutic means, is a path that winds, supported by different reasons: the economic return, the therapeutic efficacy, the cultural exchanges between peoples. Unfortunately, with the passing of time, many traditions, fruit of the experience of mysterious centuries, are lost. It is through the examination of American medical matter that we try - with the advantage of acquiring new curative means- to find a new key for the comprehension of its peoples.