A Few Words on Ancient Methods of Treatment of Diseases of Honey Bees
Kilka słów na temat antycznych metod leczenia chorób pszczół
Keywords: honey bees; bee diseases; antiquity; honey; treatment; bee yard (apiary); insect
Bees, known to be an important factor of a human environment since the Palaeolithic era, due to their increasing value for the economy became significant subject of scientific interest in ancient Greece and Rome. Researches and analysis related to their diseases played an important role within this area. Ancient authors knew at least a few possible causes of the diseases of bees, described symptoms and were trying to suggest a cure. They underlined importance of a hygiene within bee yards. Unfortunately deeper evaluation of their writings leads to a conclusion, that their knowledge was somewhat obsolete and therefore a fully successful treatments couldn’t be developed in the time they lived.
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