Panacea - what is it?

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word "cure" is often slips on television, in newspaper headlines, advertising.Not always people think about what this concept means from which it came.What is it that is a panacea?

value

As is known, the use of words without understanding their exact value - it is bad form.Therefore, it is necessary from time to time refer to the dictionary, do not be ashamed not to know shame not want to know.So panacea: it is how to use this concept?

In modern Russian the word denotes a universal remedy for all diseases drug, potion of longevity and cure for all ills.The term is used both literally and figuratively.With regard to the characteristics of the term, it refers to the feminine, the first decline, and the emphasis it falls on the penultimate syllable.Plural - a panacea.

In a figurative sense, the term can refer to the decision of any problems, the universal way out.

History Of

When it became clear meaning of the word "cure", it will be interesting to learn the history of its occurrence.Initially it was used in the Greek language as the name of the goddess who in later mythological tradition was the daughter of the god-healer Asclepius.Her name sounded a little differently - Panakeya - and means "all-healing" and she is "responsible" for drug treatment.According to mythology, this goddess could get rid of any disease, gradually became a household word, and going to the European languages, it began to sound like a "panacea."

that this concept referred to in the future, it is known to those who are interested in the history of alchemy.As you know, the greatest development of this occupation - a cross between science, art and magic - received in the Middle Ages.One of the main tasks of alchemy, in addition to obtaining so-called philosopher's stone, was the search for the elixir of immortality, a cure for all diseases.It began with him and time is called panacea.Although many centuries spent on experiments, and a huge number of scientists involved in the search for such funds, it has not been found.So it is still in its literal sense of the word "cure" is a shade mythologism.

modern panacea

Since the decline of alchemy took several centuries.We now have the fine chemistry, pharmacology, gerontology, a large number of laboratories around the world, enormous sums spent on research, but there is practically no hope that someday a cure will be found notorious.What does it mean?Cure-all in the general sense, does not exist and can not be.Mechanisms of various diseases different from each other.In some cases, all the fault of the bacteria or viruses in the other - the wrong lifestyle, diet, lack of exercise.Sometimes problems can be found in the genes, so that universal remedy which might help in absolutely any disease, just will not work effectively for each of them separately.

underway investigating the properties of stem cells and the possibility of their use in medicine, the development of genetic engineering, continue to experiment with cloning.But hardly any of these areas can be inclusive, open to mankind the way to eternal youth and life without the disease.So what is the elixir of immortality will remain just a beautiful fairy tale and dream, but who knows where science will go through a couple of hundred years or even earlier?

The use of Russian and other languages ​​

So, now known Etymology and modern meaning of the word "cure."With this concept means now, how is it used?More often than not you can find it in the papers, covering drug discovery, new medical technologies, traditional oriental healing technique.Sometimes authors use it in the notes devoted to lose excess weight.

owners of some organizations also like to beat this term in the title.As a rule, the subject is still the same - pharmacies, clinics, sometimes vet.This word, in fact, it sounds beautiful and mysterious, and intriguing looks noticeably.Seeing him in the title, and I want to read the whole article.Perhaps all very simple - subconsciously people still believe that a panacea - a tool that will solve all problems, cure all diseases, prolong life and youth - there.