literature, but reveals plainly that they owe their origin directly or indirectly to the powerful influence of a single commanding personality.
As to the manner of teaching medicine, the Hippocratic
writings show that, at the time which is here under consideration,
the mystical features had almost completely
disappeared. The science was now taught by regular
instructors, who agreed for a stipulated fee to take charge
of the pupil's entire training from the beginning to the
end of the course. Candidates who were in delicate health
were discouraged from entering upon the career of a
physician, and those who had completed the regular course
of instruction were sent out into the world equipped with
certain general principles for their future guidance in
actual practice. Some of these bear a close resemblance
to the principles of a similar nature which had been
established at a much earlier period in India. For example,
the importance of cleanliness of the person is strongly
emphasized. Reticence, as well as courtesy, is classed as
one of the virtues of a good physician.
He who acts hastily and does not take sufficient time for
consideration is sure to be criticised unfavorably. If he breaks
out too readily into laughter he will be thought uncultivated.
In another of the Hippocratic writings the physician is
urged not to indulge in too much small talk, but to confine
his conversation as much as possible to matters relating
to the treatment of the disorder.
In his business dealings the physician, like a genuine philosopher,
should not display a greed for money, he should assume a modest
and dignified attitude, he should appear quiet and calm, and his
speech should be simple and straightforward and free from all
superstition.
For their knowledge of human anatomy the physicians
of that period were obliged to depend on the dissection of
animals. Specimens of human bones were of course easily
accessible, and consequently the descriptions which are
