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35 Care of Sick in Ancient World 35 The followers and disciples of Hippocrates prac- tised dissection and observed his precepts for a long time, but, as their era passed, Greek physi- cians abandoned clinical medicine and its practical genius for philosophical dissertations, and practical work came to be despised, while a bookish and theoretical learning brought on a slow decay of real science in Greece which lasted for many centuries. The Greek culture did not give women of vir- tuous character a share in men's intellectual, social, or political life, nor much liberty. Wives and mothers were restricted closely to home duties within the walls of the household. It is true that legends tell of high accomplishment in medicine, by Greek women, but that was in the heroic, not the classic age. The Greek intellect was clear and rational. It rejected superstition and conven- tional shackles and hampering traditions, and developed an ethical philosophy which elevated reason, temperance, justice, and civic integrity to the highest plane. The Greeks worshipped beauty and physical perfection, and were little interested in the sickness or misery of the unfor- tunate. Their religion did not especially enjoin duty, or charity, though hospitality was considered a virtue, but in organizing the functions of the