Outlines of the history of medicine and the medical profession / by Joh. Hermann Baas ; translated, and in conjunction with the author rev. and enl., by H.E. Handerson.

  • Johann Hermann Baas
Date:
1889
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Outlines of the history of medicine and the medical profession / by Joh. Hermann Baas ; translated, and in conjunction with the author rev. and enl., by H.E. Handerson. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University.

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    INTRODUCTION AND ARRANGEMENT. Hoc illud est praecipue in cosnitione rerum sal- ubre ac frugiferum, onmis te exempli documenta in illustri posit a monumento intueri. Livii praefatio. The study of the history of medicine and the medical profession unquestionably offers even to the layman, from certain points of view, many features of interest. In the first place, as an extensive and import- ant branch of the general history of culture, it is indispensable to the historian of civilization, though singularly enough, up to the present time it has not, in this point of view, been duly estimated. It shows itself requisite too for the statesman and jurist, since manifestly they can per- manently and properly adjust the estimation and the position of physicians in the state, only by a thorough cognizance of the historical development of their professional relations. It likewise permits the philosopher to see the influence of his science upon medicine, and conversely the influence of medicine upon philosophy—a reciprocal influence which, from the begin- ning of time down to the present day, has been strongly manifested. Even for the theologian also the stud}' of the history of medicine possesses a scientific value, because it shows that medicine and theology, now it would seem irreconcilably at variance, were in their early periods of development most intimately united, like twin sisters in the womb, whom we are unable for a long period to recognize as distinct beings, and of whom even after birth we cannot say which is the elder, since both were born at the same time. ' To the naturalist it teaches how the branches of his science, which lift their heads so proudly to-da}T, were original]}' mere offshoots of medi- cine, and have been only recently planted as independent growths upon a soil of their own. Finally it gives to the man of genuine education the best opportunity for judging medical ability and medical activity. An acquaintance with the history of his science is, however, especially indis- pensable to the practical physician, if he would thoroughly comprehend and penetrate the secrets of his profession. To him, indeed, it is the bright and polar star, since undoubtedly it alone can teach him the principles of a medical practice independent of the currents, the faith and the superstition of the present. Moreover, it offers him as scientific gain, through the knowledge of the past, the measure for a just and well-founded criticism of the doings of his own time, places in his hand the thread by which he unites past conditions and efforts with those of the present, and sets before him the mirror in which he may observe and compare the past and present, in order to draw therefrom well-grounded conclusions for the future.