Aldebrandin of Siena

Aldebrandin of Siena
Born	c. 1240 Siena, Italy
Died	c. 1290 France
Occupation	Physician, Writer
Notable work	Regimen sanitatis

Aldebrandin of Siena (c. 1240 – c. 1290) was a notable Italian physician and writer, renowned for his contributions to medieval medical literature. He is best known for his work Regimen sanitatis, a comprehensive guide on health and hygiene that was widely circulated in the 13th century.

Biography

Aldebrandin was born in Siena, a city in the region of Tuscany, Italy, around the year 1240. Little is known about his early life and education, but it is believed that he studied medicine in one of the prominent medical schools of the time, possibly the University of Bologna or the University of Montpellier.

In the latter part of his life, Aldebrandin moved to France, where he continued his work as a physician. He became well-regarded for his medical expertise and his ability to communicate complex medical ideas in a manner accessible to the layperson.

Regimen sanitatis

Aldebrandin's most famous work, Regimen sanitatis, is a treatise on health and hygiene. Written in Old French, it was intended for a lay audience and aimed to provide practical advice on maintaining health. The work covers a wide range of topics, including diet, exercise, sleep, and the management of emotions.

The Regimen sanitatis is structured around the concept of the six non-naturals, a framework that was central to medieval medicine. These non-naturals include air, food and drink, exercise and rest, sleep and wakefulness, excretions and retentions, and the passions of the soul. Aldebrandin's work provides guidance on how to balance these factors to maintain health and prevent disease.

Influence and Legacy

Aldebrandin's Regimen sanitatis was highly influential in medieval Europe. It was translated into several languages and served as a key reference for both medical practitioners and the general public. The work reflects the medical knowledge of the time, drawing on the teachings of Hippocrates, Galen, and Avicenna.

His emphasis on preventive medicine and the holistic approach to health were ahead of his time and resonate with modern health practices. Aldebrandin's work contributed to the broader dissemination of medical knowledge during the Middle Ages and helped lay the groundwork for future developments in the field.

Also see

• Medieval medicine
• Regimen sanitatis Salernitanum
• University of Bologna
• University of Montpellier
• Hippocrates
• Galen
• Avicenna