GALEN’S FIRST BOOK OF THERAPEUTICS

ADDRESSED TO GLAUCON original: "ΓΑΛΗΝΟΥ ΤΩΝ ΠΡΟΣ ΓΛΑΥΚΩΝΑ ΘΕΡΑΠΕΥΤΙΚΩΝ ΒΙΒΛΙΟΝ Α."

Chartier Edition, Vol. 10. [344.] Basel Edition, Vol. 4. (197.)

Chapter 1. My dear Glaucon, a doctor must understand more than just the general nature shared by all people. He must also know the specific nature of each individual. This principle was correctly stated long ago by Hippocrates original: "Ἱπποκράτους". As you know, I have also diligently observed this in my own medical practice. However, it is not possible to write about an individual’s specific nature in the same way we write about our common nature. In many matters, and especially in the topics I am now proposing, written instructions and practical actions relate to each other in opposite ways. You have requested that I provide you with a universal method of remedies The term "therapeutics" refers to the branch of medicine concerned with the treatment of disease and the action of remedial agents.

GALEN TO GLAUCON ON THE

METHOD OF HEALING, BOOK I original: "GALENI AD GLAVCONEM DE MEDENDI METHODO LIBER I."

Chapter 1. My dear Glaucon, it was rightly stated by Hippocrates in the past that a physician ought to know not only the common nature of all human beings, but also the specific nature of each one. As you know, I have carefully observed this in the very works of my art. However, it is impossible for the specific nature of an individual to be written down in the same way as the common nature. Written words and practical works are held in an opposite order from one another in most other things, but especially in these things which I have now decided to teach. For you have demanded from me a universal method The Latin text mirrors the Greek, introducing a manual intended for Glaucon, a philosopher friend of Galen, who requested a brief guide to medicine for his travels.