The growth of medicine from the earliest times to about 1800Buck, Albert H. (Albert Henry)
History
The growth of medicine from the earliest times to about 1800
Buck, Albert H. (Albert Henry)
Medicine -- History
As to the manner of teaching medicine, the Hippocratic writings show
that, at the time which is here under consideration, the mystical
features had almost completely disappeared. The science was now taught
by regular instructors, who agreed for a stipulated fee to take charge
of the pupil’s entire training from the beginning to the end of the
course. Candidates who were in delicate health were discouraged from
entering upon the career of a physician, and those who had completed
the regular course of instruction were sent out into the world equipped
with certain general principles for their future guidance in actual
practice. Some of these bear a close resemblance to the principles of
a similar nature which had been established at a much earlier period
in India. For example, the importance of cleanliness of the person is
strongly emphasized. Reticence, as well as courtesy, is classed as one
of the virtues of a good physician.
He who acts hastily and does not take sufficient time for
consideration is sure to be criticised unfavorably. If he breaks
out too readily into laughter he will be thought uncultivated.
In another of the Hippocratic writings the physician is urged not to
indulge in too much small talk, but to confine his conversation as much
as possible to matters relating to the treatment of the disorder.
In his business dealings the physician, like a genuine
philosopher, should not display a greed for money, he should
assume a modest and dignified attitude, he should appear quiet
and calm, and his speech should be simple and straightforward
and free from all superstition.
For their knowledge of human anatomy the physicians of that period
were obliged to depend on the dissection of animals. Specimens of
human bones were of course easily accessible, and consequently the
descriptions which are given of these structures are quite accurate,
even as regards many of the finer details.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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