The twelve books of which the treatise of Alexander of Tralles consists, were printed in the original Greek for the first time in 1548, by Robert Étienne, the celebrated printer of Francis I., King of France. The last and most perfect edition of the Greek text is that of the late Dr. Theodore Puschmann, which was published in Vienna in 1878 (two Vols.). It contains, in addition to the Greek version, a careful analysis of the twelve individual books, and an admirable German translation of the entire work. It is from the latter that the following brief extracts (translated into English) are taken:-- _Introduction to the writings of Alexander of Tralles._--Upon a certain occasion, my dearest Cosmas, thou didst urge me to publish my rich experiences in the domain of practical medicine, and I am now gladly complying with thy wish, for I feel under deep obligations to both thyself and thy father for the kindness which you have shown to me on every possible occasion in the past. Thy father was always a most helpful patron to me, not only in my practice, but also in all other relations of life. And thou also, even when thou wert living abroad, stood staunchly by me through all the trials which I experienced and the severe blows dealt me by Fate. For these reasons I will now in my old age, when it is no longer possible for me to endure the labor and worries of practice, do as thou desirest, and will write a book in which shall be set forth the experience which I have gained during my long service in the treatment of disease. I hope that many of those who read what is here written, with minds free from jealousy, will experience real pleasure in noting the well-founded and scientific character of the rules which I have laid down and the brevity and preciseness of my descriptions. For I have done my very best always to employ simple words, in order that everybody may find it easy to understand my book. _Some Magical Remedies or Amulets Recommended by Alexander of Tralles, as Effective in the Treatment of Colic._--The Thracians remove the heart from a lark while the bird is still alive, and wear it, prepared as an amulet, on the left thigh. Procure a little of the dung of a wolf, preferably some which contains small bits of bone, and pack it in a tube which the patient may easily wear as an amulet on his right arm, thigh, or hip during the attack. He must be very careful, however, not to allow the parts around the seat of the pain to come in contact with the earth or with the water of a bath. This amulet is, in my experience, an unfailing remedy, and almost all physicians of any celebrity have commended its virtues.