It is not because the more ancient writers had omitted anything relative
to the Art that I have composed this work, but in order to give a
compendious course of instruction; for, on the contrary, everything
is handled by them properly, and without any omissions, whereas the
moderns have not only in the first place neglected the study of them,
but have also blamed them for prolixity. Wherefore, I have undertaken
the following Treatise, which, it is like, will serve as a commentary
to those who may choose to consult it, whilst it will prove an exercise
to me. For it appears strange that lawyers should be possessed of
compendious and, as they call them, popular legal synopses, in which are
contained the heads of all the laws, to serve for immediate use, whilst
we neglect these things, although they have it generally in their power
to put off the investigation of any point not only for little but even
for a considerable time, whereas we can seldom or very rarely do so;
for, in many cases, necessity requires that we act promptly, and hence
Hippocrates has properly said, “the season is brief.” (Aph. 1, i.) For
their business is generally conducted in the midst of cities, where
there is an abundant supply of books, whereas physicians have to act not
only in cities, in the fields, and in desert places, but also at sea in
ships, where such diseases sometimes suddenly break out as, in the event
of procrastination, would occasion death, or at least incur the most
imminent danger. But to remember all the rules of the healing art, and
all the particular substances connected with it, is exceedingly difficult
if not altogether impossible. On this account I have compiled this brief
collection from the works of the ancients, and have set down little of my
own, except a few things which I have seen and tried in the practice of
the art. For being conversant with the most distinguished writers in the
profession, and in particular with Oribasius, who, in one work, has given
a select view of everything relating to health (he being posterior to
Galen, and one of the still more recent authors), I have collected what
was best in them, and have endeavoured, if possible, not to pass by any
one distemper. For the work of Oribasius, comprehending seventy books,
contains indeed an exposition of the whole art, but it is not easily to
be procured by people at large on account of its bulk, whilst the epitome
of it, inscribed to his son Eustathius, is deficient in some diseases
altogether, and gives but an imperfect description of others, sometimes
the causes and diagnosis being omitted, and sometimes the proper plan of
treatment being forgotten, as well as other things which have occurred to
my recollection. Wherefore the present work will contain the description,
causes, and cure of all diseases, whether situated in parts of uniform
texture, in particular organs, or consisting of solutions of continuity,
and that not merely in a summary way, but at as great length as possible.
In the First Book, you will find everything that relates to Hygiene, and
to the preservation from, and correction of, distempers peculiar to the
various ages, seasons, temperaments, and so forth; also, the powers and
uses of the different articles of food, as is set forth in the chapter of
contents.
In the Second is explained the whole doctrine of Fevers, an account of
certain matters relating to them being premised, such as excrementitious
discharges, critical days, and other appearances, and concluding with
certain symptoms which are the concomitants of fever.
The Third Book relates to Topical affections, beginning from the crown of
the head and descending down to the nails of the feet.
The Fourth Book treats of those complaints which are external and exposed
to view, and are not limited to one part of the body but affect various
parts. Also, of Intestinal Worms and Dracunculi.
The Fifth treats of the Wounds and Bites of Venomous Animals; also of the
distemper called Hydrophobia, and of persons bitten by dogs which are
mad, and by those which are not mad; and also of persons bitten by men.
Afterwards it treats of deleterious substances, and the preservatives
from them.
In the Sixth Book is contained everything relating to Surgery, both what
relates to the fleshy parts, such as the extraction of weapons; and to
the bones, which comprehends Fractures and Dislocations.
In the Seventh is contained an account of the Properties of all
Medicines, first of the Simple, then of the Compound; particularly
of those which I had mentioned in the preceding Six Books, and more
especially the greater and, as it were, celebrated preparations. For I
did not think it proper to treat of all these articles promiscuously,
lest it should occasion confusion, but so that any person looking for one
or more of the distinguished preparations might easily find it. Towards
the end are certain things connected with the Composition of Medicines,
and of those articles which may be substituted for one another: the whole
concluding with an account of Weights and Measures.