The Royal Protomedicato

This article describes the relationship between legislation and the royal medical tribunal or “Protomedicato” Office in thehistory of Sicily. The idea for the office began during the reign of Frederick II, and was created to manage several functions relatedto public health. Specifically, it was intended to monitor the practices of medical doctors and others who were involved in medicine.The regulations established by the office reveal the development, coordination and functions of the office throughout its history.