[The anamnesis in antiquity; medical questions by Rufus Ephesius (1st to 2nd century AD)].

Only one treatise devoted to medical history taking (anamnesis) has come down to us from antiquity: Medical questions by Rufus Ephesius (from about 80 to about 150 AD). The work was rediscovered, published and translated from Greek into French by Darembergand Ruelle in the I9th century. The word 'anamnesis' for history taking only came into use halfway through the I9th century in German-speaking countries and in the Netherlands. The term was not used in this sense by physicians in antiquity. In contrast to several authors of the Corpus Hippocraticum (5th to Ist century BC), Rufus attached great importance to the interview with the patient and in particular to questions concerning the patient's lifestyle prior to the illness. In this respect, his opinions are remarkably close to modern views.