![]() |
|
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
![]() |
#1 |
Join Date: Oct 2022
|
![]()
Hi all,
A small conondrum related to the availability or not of a specialized skill for all those scholars performing anatomical dissection and related drawings. The related theories at low TL can of course be covered in my opinion, by expert skill (natural phylosophy). Especially the work of those academics that were reading the sources, recompiling them, and dismissing any observed deviation from Aristotle's observations as aberrations. Physiology, as described, could overlap to the anatomical studies. If I did not misunderstand the technology level for medical technology in Low Tech, physiology not being listed means that it does not appear yet. I was wondering if, similarly for Astronomy(Observational), it would be possible to allow Physiology(Observational Anatomy, for instance) at Low tech levels. That would be the skill of choice for pratictioners making their own observations. Note that, as another example, it is stated that there was not a clear distinction between alchemy and chemistry, but the part of "alchemy" that actually worked (such as distillation, which is also a technique) in worlds without magic is Chemistry. Expert skill does not suffice if I understood, to do anything except perhaps winning an academic debate over phlogiston �� or getting some predictions right. What do you think? Last edited by Kaslak; 02-25-2023 at 09:39 AM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Night Watchman
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Cambridge, UK
|
![]()
The historical name for the skill you're looking at is "Anatomy." That turned into the study of "Anatomy and Physiology" in the late nineteenth century (TL5-6) as physiology became a practical science. That transformation required a few basic discoveries, like the circulation of the blood, a reasonable amount of chemistry, and the discarding of many mystical and vitalist ideas about life and the body.
At TL3-4, you can have an IQ/H skill with the same defaults as GURPS Physiology, but it only deals with anatomy. It is really quite detailed, but a fair amount of what it tells you about the function of organs is wrong. It's up to you if you call that "Physiology" or "Anatomy." The availability of this skill can be influenced by cultural and legal rules. In Britain, dissection was entirely illegal from Roman times to the 16th century, and the supply of cadavers was quite limited until 1832, leading to "body-snatching" and similar adventures.
__________________
The Path of Cunning. Indexes: DFRPG Characters, Advantage of the Week, Disadvantage of the Week, Skill of the Week, Techniques. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 | |
Join Date: Oct 2022
|
![]() Quote:
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 | |
Join Date: Apr 2005
|
![]() Quote:
A Natural Philosopher could tell you what Galen or Aristotle wrote about anatomy and the state of current accepted wisdom regarding the various organs and their functions, but they'd be at a loss if they had to open up a cadaver and make scientific observations. Anything approaching modern forensic pathology would be a specialization of Surgery with Diagnosis as a prerequisite. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 | |
Hero of Democracy
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: far from the ocean
|
![]() Quote:
So, I suppose the skill is Professional Skill (Butcher). He might be better at it than any of your scholars.
__________________
Be helpful, not pedantic Worlds Beyond Earth -- my blog Check out the PbP forum! If you don't see a game you'd like, ask me about making one! |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 | ||
Join Date: Jul 2006
|
![]() Quote:
I also seem to recall that the Roman medical profession had a better idea of anatomy and function than more highly regarded Greek sources: IIRC the Greek consensus was that the brain was a radiator for cooling the blood, whereas Roman doctors, based on military data on head injuries, had figured out that it had at least something to do with thought and consciousness. Heh. And whilst I was writing of butchers and the failure to communicate with them: Quote:
Last edited by The Colonel; 02-27-2023 at 10:48 AM. |
||
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 | |
Hero of Democracy
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: far from the ocean
|
![]() Quote:
Anyone who has both gone hunting and seen combat is going to know about the similarities. The Old testament is full of references to specific body parts (Heart and Kidneys coming up the most often). To be fair, they're not going to have much of an idea of what they do.
__________________
Be helpful, not pedantic Worlds Beyond Earth -- my blog Check out the PbP forum! If you don't see a game you'd like, ask me about making one! |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 | |
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Lawrence, KS
|
![]() Quote:
__________________
Bill Stoddard I don't think we're in Oz any more. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 | |
Join Date: Jun 2013
|
![]() Quote:
__________________
GURPS Overhaul |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 | |
Join Date: Jul 2006
|
![]() Quote:
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Tags |
medicine, physiology, surgery |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|