[Neo-'hippocratism' in Bernardino Ramazzini]. / L'ippocratismo di Bernardino Ramazzini. per la costruzione di una medicina sociale.

Neo-hippocratism is a rational and mechanic method to explain pathological phenomena and discover the causes of diseases. Bernardino Ramazzini uses Hippocratic empirical observation to investigate the relations between the alterations of the air - due to mephitic vapours, of organic and inorganic origin - and the development of pathological processes. His notion of corruption of the atmosphere as the origin of epidemics and specific diseases, and that of prevention as the main strategy of modern medicine, is developed in medical literature and in the public medicine projects of the end of the Seventeenth century.

Preservation of environmental characteristics as witnessed in classic and modern literature: the case of Greece.

The literature provides interesting evidence regarding some of the environmental characteristics of Greece during the classic era, while in recent times, the environmental consequences of urban development are impressed in the work of modern Greek writers. The present paper investigates references regarding these environmental characteristics together with their preservation in time, with the aid of resources from literature.

A lesson from the smog capital of the world.

The history of air pollution control in the Los Angeles area shows a gradual transfer of authority from city and county to state and federal government. The relative role of the various levels of government is discussed. Regional control will become increasingly important with standards set or approved by state and federal authorities. Progress is noted in the control of both stationary and moving sources, but long-range planning of the development of our urban complex with an overriding regard for its effect on the environment is needed if the technological innovations are to keep pace with the demands of an ever-increasing population.