On Medicine in Eight Books

Although in his own time medicine was divided into three sects, which were greatly at odds with one another, he nonetheless applied and attached himself so firmly to the Dogmatic school (which deviated the least of all from the Hippocratic) that he still accepted from the leaders of the Empirical and Methodical schools those things which rational conjecture and faithful practice had confirmed. He is worthy, even in this very intention, for us to believe that he explored all things from every sect and, having made a selection, gathered all the best parts into this epitome of many works. The form of the work is more adorned and ordered than our common people think. The language throughout the entire work is full, pure, charming, chaste, and, what is most important, appropriate for the subject matter being conveyed; so much so that no one can find a better master of writing for the field of medicine. The order, which is clear throughout the whole and articulated in its parts, is equally well-suited to practical use. As Celsus looked to this alone, he brought nothing that was not pertinent or necessary; indeed, having cut away all that was—I will not say superfluous—but that could and in fact should be received