On the Magnetic Cure of Wounds

public duty of teaching. Although it might not perhaps be out of place here to commend natural science Physics: In the 17th century, "Physics" (Physica) referred broadly to the study of nature and the physical world, encompassing what we now call biology, chemistry, and medicine, as well as the laws of motion. for its antiquity, dignity, and utility—all of which are joined with the greatest pleasure—nevertheless, because I know many things have been learnedly said on these matters elsewhere and more often by those far superior to me in learning and judgment, I believe that no one, unless they possess a plainly Cyclopean rudeness original: "cyclopicæ plane ruditatis." A reference to the Cyclopes of Greek myth, who were considered brutish and uncivilized; the author uses this to describe someone completely uneducated or lacking in culture., will doubt the antiquity and utility of Physics. Indeed, its importance is so great that neither a Theologian, nor a legal expert, and least of all a Physician, can do without it. It seems it should be praised just as it was by Pericles The famous Athenian statesman (c. 495–429 BC)., who grasped it as it was passed down by Anaxagoras A pre-Socratic philosopher (c. 500–428 BC) who was said to have taught Pericles; his natural philosophy was credited with giving Pericles his "lofty" style of oratory. and, through its benefit, became more brilliant in his oratory. Therefore, setting aside those things which could be brought forward concerning the utility of Physics, I have chosen a single question, which