Pedanius Dioscorides (c.40-c.90 AD), ancient Greek physician. Dioscorides worked as a surgeon with Emperor Nero's army during the first century AD. In the course of his travels he wrote a five volume book, De Materia Medica, in which he described various herbs and medicinal substances and their properties. The book was a precursor to all modern pharmacopeias. It was translated into Arabic and then back into Latin around 1000 AD, remaining in use until 1600.