Which civilization is known for contributing significantly to early medical practices in the context of pharmacology?

The civilization that significantly contributed to early medical practices in the context of pharmacology is Babylonia. The Babylonians are credited with some of the earliest documentation of medicinal plants and substances used for healing. They developed one of the first known systems of medicine that combined practical medical knowledge, religious beliefs, and magic. Ancient Babylonian medical tablets, known as the "Diagnostic Handbook," not only described diseases but also listed various herbal remedies and therapies that reflect a sophisticated understanding of pharmacology for that time.

While Egypt, India, and China made substantial contributions to early medicine, the specific emphasis on the systematic recording of drugs and their uses, along with the codification of medical practices, is most strongly associated with the Babylonian civilization. Ancient Egyptian medicine did include numerous herbal remedies, but it was intertwined with religious beliefs significantly. Indian Ayurvedic texts also contain extensive references to medicinal plants, and ancient Chinese practices emphasize herbal medicine and holistic approaches, but the Babylonian records mark a pivotal point in the transition towards more scientific medicinal practices.