The Art of Medicine

If we wish to recall the beginning and as it were the infancy of your Parisian academy, and compare it with the time when you still sat at the helm of the kingdom, we will surely find that there was either no use at all of Greek and Hebrew letters, or certainly a meager one. But since you came to the republic, they began to be in such use, and such price and honor, that many know Hebrew, and likewise many know Greek. From this it has come about that now the shadows have been dispelled, and all disciplines have been restored to their own shine and splendor: and to say nothing of Grammar, Rhetoric, and other arts, Medicine certainly now shines most brightly and has recovered its original splendor: and for this, King, the physicians are indebted to you, who certainly now, by your benefit, possess the Greek language so well that they read, unfold, and understand Hippocrates and Galen, the princes of this art, not only in Latin but also in Greek, and translate them into the Latin language. Among whom, when I, holding some place, had translated Galen's small art, which they also call medical, from Greek into Latin, and had illustrated it with my commentaries as diligently as I could: I thought that this labor was to be dedicated to you, King, most great of all: because I knew that not only had this discipline been raised to such dignity and amplitude by your benefit, which you are accustomed both to praise and approve, but also that you know how to discuss it excellently and willingly. I know indeed that this is a small gift unworthy of your majesty: but yet, trusting in your singular humanity, which everyone proclaims, I hope that it will not be unpleasant and ungrateful to you. May your majesty and authority prevail and conquer.