Explain History of Plant Classification - Ancient Greeks and Romans?
Hippocrates, "The Father of Medicine" (460-377 B.C.) is reputed to have been one of Democritus 's disciples. He lived to an advanced age, being famous as the founder of the Hippocratic School of Medicine which started the study of the causes of disease. It cast new light upon the use of herbs. A list of about 240 plants used in medicine may be found in the writings of the Hippocratic School, but they were mentioned primarily for their medicinal properties, not being described botanically.
The Greek root diggers (rhizotomoi) and drug merchants (Pharmocopuloi), who engaged in the business of collecting and preparing drug from plants, acquired knowledge which must have been advantageous. Their knowledge of plants was, however, empirical and full of superstitions and would have contributed little to the science of botany.