are based on experience gained in actual practice, whereas Galen was very often disposed to trust to considerations of a theoretical nature; for he was chiefly interested in establishing the pathology of the different diseases and in opening up new territories in medicine in which the human mind might display its activity.
The twelve books of which the treatise of Alexander of Tralles consists, were printed in the original Greek for the first time in 1548, by Robert Étienne, the celebrated printer of Francis I., King of France. The last and most perfect edition of the Greek text is that of the late Dr. Theodore Puschmann, which was published in Vienna in 1878 (two Vols.). It contains, in addition to the Greek version, a careful analysis of the twelve individual books, and an admirable German translation of the entire work. It is from the latter that the following brief extracts (translated into English) are taken:—
Introduction to the writings of Alexander of Tralles.—Upon
a certain occasion, my dearest Cosmas, thou didst urge me to
publish my rich experiences in the domain of practical medicine,
and I am now gladly complying with thy wish, for I feel under
deep obligations to both thyself and thy father for the kindness
which you have shown to me on every possible occasion in the past.
Thy father was always a most helpful patron to me, not only in
my practice, but also in all other relations of life. And thou also,
even when thou wert living abroad, stood staunchly by me through
all the trials which I experienced and the severe blows dealt me by
Fate. For these reasons I will now in my old age, when it is no
longer possible for me to endure the labor and worries of practice,
do as thou desirest, and will write a book in which shall be set
forth the experience which I have gained during my long service
in the treatment of disease. I hope that many of those who read
what is here written, with minds free from jealousy, will experience
real pleasure in noting the well-founded and scientific character
of the rules which I have laid down and the brevity and preciseness
of my descriptions. For I have done my very best always to
employ simple words, in order that everybody may find it easy
to understand my book.
Some Magical Remedies or Amulets Recommended by Alexander of Tralles, as Effective in the Treatment of Colic.—The
