As a profession, medicine was more highly regarded in Greece
than in Rome. Physicians were basically craftsmen, probably
enjoying some esteem among their customers, but not being part
of the socio-political elite. Roman doctors did not fare so
well. Many doctors were freed Greek slaves, hence the social
standing of doctors was quite low. Because recovery rates were
so low, many people were skeptical or even scornful of doctors.
Their skepticism is easily understood. Roman literature tells us
much about the reactions of individuals to medicine and doctors.
Listening to the Roman authors, we hear tales of quackery and
chicanery at all levels of society: Some doctors charge the most
excessive prices for the most worthless medicines and drugs, and
others in the craft attempt to deal with and treat diseases they
obviously do not understand. –Gargilius Martialis, Preface, 7
There were no licensing boards and no formal requirements for
entrance to the profession. Anyone could call himself a doctor.
If his methods we