Philumenus was a Greek physician who lived and worked during the Roman Imperial period, most likely in the 2nd or 3rd century CE. He belonged to the Methodist school of medicine, which promoted a practical, simplified approach to treating illness. The details of his life, including his birthplace and exact dates, are not known.

Only one of his works survives, a treatise titled On Poisonous Animals and Their Remedies. This text is a compilation that draws heavily from the earlier work of the Hellenistic physician Apollodorus. It describes the bites and stings of various dangerous creatures—such as snakes, scorpions, and spiders—and lists the treatments recommended for them. The work was considered useful enough to be translated from Greek into Latin centuries later, which helped preserve it.

According to modern scholars, Philumenus’s primary importance lies in his role as a compiler and transmitter of earlier medical knowledge. His book is a key source for understanding ancient toxicology, pharmacology, and the methods of the Methodist school. It illustrates a common practice in Roman-era medicine, where later authors condensed and systematized the works of their predecessors for continued practical use.