Galenism in Early Modern Philosophy and Medicine

The humanistic rediscovery of Galen’s works, which culminated in the 1525 Aldine edition, brought about a sudden revival of Galenism followed by a protracted decline. However, even after dismissing Galenism as a comprehensive medical and philosophical system, early modern scientists and philosophers continued to draw inspiration from the Galenic tradition. Thus, the early modern history of Galenism is largely the history of its complex interaction with old and new rivals.