“Non solum sed etiam”

I medici anàrgiri e la santa colleganza di Cosma e Damiano

Abstract

When we talk about anargyria, in the medical art, almost everyone immediately thinks of Cosmas and Damian, but often only of them. However, the figure of these doctors is much more represented in the history of Medicine, even if, unfortunately, not so much. Among the international literature they are also known as “holy unmercenaries”. But the real etymology of the denomination must be sought in the ancient Greek language: “ἀν” (privative prefix, euphonic) and “άργυρος” (money), that is “without money”; they were doctors, mostly saints or blessed but not only, who lent their services without asking or accepting any compensation.