Aulus Cornelius Celsus (
25 BC—50) was a
Roman encyclopedist and possibly, although probably not, a
physician. He probably lived in
Gallia Narbonensis. His only extant work, the
De Medicina, is the only surviving section of a much larger encyclopedia, and is a primary source on
diet, pharmacy and
surgery and related fields. The lost portions of his encyclopedia likely included volumes on agriculture, law,
rhetoric, and military arts. Celsus'
De Medicina is one of the best sources on Alexandrian medical knowledge.
In the "Prooemium" or introduction to "De Medicina" there is an early discussion of the relevance of theory to medical practice and the pros and cons of both
animal experimentation and
human experimentation.
Celsus is credited with recording the cardinal signs of
inflammation: calor (warmth),
dolor (pain),
tumor (swelling) and
rubor (redness and
hyperaemia). He goes into great detail regarding the preparation of numerous ancient medicinal remedies including the preparation of
opioids. In addition, he describes many 1st‑century Roman surgical procedures which included removal of a cataract, treatment for bladder stones, and the setting of fractures.
The first printed edition of Celsus' work was published in
1478. His work became famous for its elegant Latin style.
