GALEN ON THE METHOD OF HEALING

Charterian Edition Vol. 10. [2.] Basel Edition Vol. 4. (34. 35.)

Many of these people still seem to be drunk the next morning. Some of them clearly smell of wine as if they had only just finished drinking it. Consequently, when they begin to fall ill, they do not call for the best physicians. They never bothered to evaluate who was skilled while they were still healthy. Instead, they call for those who are most familiar to them and who are the most skilled at flattery. These are the doctors who will give the patients cold water if they ask for it, or provide a bath if they are ordered to do so. They will offer snow and wine original: "χιόνα καὶ οἶνον" (chiona kai oinon). In the Roman world, snow was harvested from mountains to chill wine; Galen views this as a dangerous luxury for the sick. and serve every command like domestic slaves.

They act in a manner completely opposite to those ancient physicians known as the Asclepiadae: a guild of physicians who claimed descent from Asclepius, the god of medicine. Those men believed they should rule over the sick like generals over soldiers or kings over subjects. They did not expect to be ruled or mastered like Getae, Tibii, Phrygians, or Thracians: tribal groups from the edges of the empire who were frequently sold as slaves in the Roman market who had been purchased with money. Therefore, the man who is better at his craft is not the one held in high honor by these people. Instead, the one who is more skilled at flattery is more highly valued. For such a man, every path is flat and easy. The doors of great houses stand open to him. He quickly becomes rich and possesses great power. He takes on many students who come from the master's bedroom these "students" were often former domestic slaves or young men who had served as personal favorites in the household once they are past their prime. Having understood this, Thessalus: Thessalus of Tralles, a famous physician of the 1st century AD and a leader of the Methodist school, whom Galen despised for simplifying medical training not only changed other things...