Abstract
IN his scholarly “Malaria and Ancient Greece”, reviewed in NATURE of December 16, 1909, p. 192, Mr. Jones has apparently overlooked what seems to be, though modified for dramatic purposes, a description of an acute attack of ague, i.e. that given by Sophocles of the sufferings of Philoctetes in his play known by that name. Here, just as he is about to accompany Neoptolemus to the ships, Philoctetes is seized with a sudden attack (line 730). He recognises the prodromal symptoms of what he describes to Neoptolemus as a recurrent attack of his malady (ηκɛι γαρ αυτη δια χρóνoυ, line 758). The attack appears to be ushered in with pain or discomfort (line 730) and shivering (735). The symptoms become increasingly acute (και τι πρoσδoκω νɛoν, 784) until they become almost unendurable (790). Soon, however, from previous experience, Philoctetes can foretell that the worst is over (808), and that the attack will pass away during the sleep which always supervenes. λαμβανɛι γαρ oυν υπνos μ, öταν πɛρ τò κακòν ɛξιη τóδɛ, 766.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
AUDEN, G. Malaria and Ancient Greece. Nature 82, 278 (1910). https://doi.org/10.1038/082278b0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/082278b0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.