Galen: On the Natural Faculties

"On the Natural Faculties" by Galen is an ancient exploration of how bodies work, written in the 2nd century AD, that explains how living things grow and stay alive. Galen explains the rules of physiology, looking closely at nature’s methods through the workings of different faculties in plants and animals. The book starts by explaining key ideas, like the difference between the soul and nature in how bodies work. He sorts living things’ actions, like growth and eating, which both plants and animals do. It then prepares for looking at things like digestion and blood creation, planning to study the faculties causing this process. The work also touches on philosophical discussions about being changing, as well. Galen highlights the need for clear definitions and organized questioning, establishing this account as a key addition to medical and philosophical wisdom.