The Online Library of Liberty

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• Abstract of Hippocrates: to the Reader.
• Arrangement of the Writings of Hippocrates.
• Introduction.
• The Works of Hippocrates.
• Section I. The Oath of Hippocrates.
• The Law of Hippocrates.
• On the Art of Medicine.
• The Art of Medicine In Former Times.
• Of the Physician.
• On Decency In Manners and In Dress.
• Precepts of Hippocrates.
• Section II. A: the Book of Prognostics.
• Hippocrates On the Humours. a
• Hippocrates On Crises.
• Of Critical Days, Or of What Has a Relation to Crises.
• Predictions Or Prognostics.
• The Coan Prognostics.
• Appendix. of the Diseases Incident to Different Ages.
• Section III. A: On the Nature of Man.
• On Generation.
• On the FŒtal Nature.
• On the Origin of Man.
• On the Seven-month Birth.
• Of an Eight-month Birth.
• On SuperfŒtation.
• On Dentition.
• Of the Heart.
• On the Glands.
• On the Nature of the Bones.
• On Airs, Waters, and Localities.
• Parallel Between the Asiatics and Europeans.
• Of Flatus.
• Of Epilepsy.
• Section IV.: On a Healthy Diet.
• On Regimen. In Three Books.
• On Dreams.
• Of Aliment.
• The Rationale of Food In Acute Diseases.
• On the Different Parts of Man.
• Of the Employment of Liquids.
• Section V.: On Diseases.
• On Affections. a
• Of Internal Affections.
• Of Diseases of Virgins.
• Of the Nature of Woman.
• Of Female Diseases.
• On Barrenness.
• On Vision.
• Section VI. A: On the Shop Or Office of the Physician.
• On Fractures.
• On the Joints.
• On the Reduction of Fractures and Luxations.
• On Ulcers.
• On FistulÆ.
• On the Hemorrhoids Or Piles.
• On Wounds of the Head.
• On the Extraction of the Dead FŒtus.
• On Dissections.
• Section VII. A: the Epidemics of Hippocrates.
• The First Book of Epidemics.
• The Third Book of Epidemics.
• Pestilential Constitution
• Thucydides Upon the Plague At Athens.
• Clifton’s Proof of This Not Being That Described By Hippocrates
• The Second Book of Epidemics.
• The Fourth Book of Epidemics.
• The Fifth Book of Epidemics.
• The Sixth Book of Epidemics.
• The Seventh Book of Epidemics.
• The Book of Aphorisms.
• Section VIII.: Extraneous.
• EpistolÆ Hippocratis.
• I.: Liber De Hominis Structura, Ad Perdiccam Regem.
• II.: De Natura Hominis.
• III.: Liber De Ætate.
• IV.: De Septimestri Partu, Liber Spurius.
• V.: De Significatione VitÆ Et Mortis, Secundum Motum LunÆ, Et Adspectus Planetarum.
• VI.: Liber De Medicamentis Purgantibus.
• VII.: De Veratri Usu.
• VIII.: De Antidoto.
• IX.: Antidotum.
• X.: De Re Veterinaria.
• An Abstract of the Writings of Galen.
• Introductory Remarks.
• The Works of Galen.
• The Introductory Treatises of Galen.
• I.: Oratio Suasoria Ad Artes.
• II.: Si Quis Optimus Medicus Est, Eundem Esse Philosophus.
• III.: De Sophismatis In Verbo Contingentibus.
• IV.: Quod Qualitates IncorporeÆ Sint.
• V.: De Libris Propriis Galeni.
• VI.: De Ordine Librorum Suorum.
• VII.: De Sectis.
• VIII.: Galeni, De Optima Secta.
• IX.: De Optimo Docendi Genere.
• X.: De Subfiguratione Empirica.
• XI.: Sermo Adversus Empiricos Medicos.
• XII.: De Constitutione Artis MedicÆ.
• XIII.: Finitiones MedicÆ.
• XIV.: Introductio Vel Medicus.
• XV.: Quomodo Morbum Simulantes Sint Deprehendendi.
• XVI.: Ars Medicinalis.
• Class I.: Physiology, Anatomy, Etc.
• Class II.: Hygiene.
• Class III.: Ætiology.
• Class IV.: Semeiotics.
• Class V.: Of Pharmacy.
• Class VI.: Of the Instruments of Clinical Practice. a
• Class VII.: Therapeutics.
• Additional Class. a
• Spurii Galeno Ascripti Libri. a
• Fragments.
• Liste Des Livres De Galien, Tirée De L’édition De Chartier.

SPURII GALENO ASCRIPTI LIBRI.a

“Qui variam artis medicæ farraginem ex variis auctoribus excerptam continentes, optimo, quo fieri potuit, ordine sunt dispositi, et in unum corpus redacti.”—Venice Ed. 1609.

These contain, as above stated, a vast medley of the medical art, extracted from numerous sources; disposed of in the best mode that could be devised, and brought thus into a compact form. A mere enumeration of the titles must suffice to show their respective character. There is, however, contained in them an abundant harvest of interesting and curious matter, deserving the attention of the philosopher and physician.

I.

GALENI LIBER DE HISTORIA PHILOSOPHICA.

of the history of philosophy.

j. m. rota, translator.

This is very interesting. It begins with an account of the origin of philosophy, both moral and natural, prior to Socrates, the succession of the philosophers, sects, denominations, &c. &c. Metaphysics are largely dwelt on. God, the soul, necessity, fate, and an infinite number of topics of much interest, are successively considered. It would exhibit a curious outline of the different ideas of the philosophers of successive ages to the time of Galen, if clothed in a modern language!

II.

PROGNOSTICA DE INFIRMORUM DECUBITU, EX MATHEMATICA SCIENTIA.

mathematical prognostics on the decubitus of the sick.

This is a most singular production, and probably was highly instrumental in introducing astrology into medicine. Under the name of mathematics, which is here highly extolled, astrology seems to be intended; and its utility to medicine is insisted on, from the authority of Hippocrates and Diocles. The figure (configuratio) of the moon is run through all the signs of the Zodiac, and the effects in disease, &c., largely enumerated and predicted.

III.

GALENI, DE PARTIBUS ARTIS MEDICÆ.

of the divisions of medicine.

n. r. calabri, translator.

The divisions of the science as made by different men, are enumerated and criticised; after which the author gives his own. The translator says of this book, “Qui nisi Galeni fuerit, eo tamen auctore dignus videtur.”

III.

GALENO ATTRIBUTUS LIBER DE DYNAMIDIIS.

Desideratur principium.

IV.

GALENO ATTRIBUTUS LIBER ALTER DE DYNAMIDIIS.

What is spoken of in the first of these tracts, is stated to be more fully detailed “In libris facultatum medicamentorum simplicium.” The greater part of the latter is said to be derived from Aetius. The term dynamis seems to imply, that the treatise is a store-house or assemblage of remedial means, and which are here noticed.

V.

GALENO ASCRIPTUS LIBER DE SPERMATE.

on the seed.

This treats of the male and female seed, and of its product the fœtus; with the influence of the seed, as to the greater or less amount of either, in determining the sex and its qualities, &c., according as conception is produced under the influence of the sanguine, choleric, phlegmatic or other temperament; or as connected with the state of the humours of the body, of the heavenly bodies, planets, &c. Some remarks appear to be connected with the planetary influence on disease, &c.

VI.

DE NATURA ET ORDINE CUJUSLIBET CORPORIS.

Treats of the nature and effects of the four humours constituting the body of man. Of the fœtus in utero, in the disposition of its formation. A slight sketch is given of the anatomical structure of man. The book is correctly said to be “ordine et judicio carens.”

VII.

DE ANATOMIA PARVA. ASCRIPTUS GALENO.

on comparative anatomy.

This assigns some reason for Galen and others dissecting brutes. It points out the mode, and gives the anatomy of the hog, which in its internal structure is said to be closely allied to that of man. A most ridiculous description is given of the anatomy of the uterus and of the brain. The book is properly stated to be “maxime deridendus.”

VIII.

DE ANATOMIA VIVORUM.

of the anatomy of living subjects.

The body is divided into simple and compound parts, which are respectively treated in detail. The book is said to contain much that is correct and worthy of Galen, but much also that is the reverse of this.

IX.

DE ANATOMIA OCULORUM.

of the anatomy of the eyes.

n. regius, translator.

A concise description of these organs, their coats, humours, &c.

X.

DE COMPAGINE MEMBRORUM, SIVE DE NATURA HUMANA.

“Aliqua et hic vera, aliqua deridenda,” says the editor. The book is partly anatomical, in part physiological. We have here a speck of phrenological location of the admitted faculties of the mind, when speaking of the brain and its division of parts. “Intra quam sunt divisiones tres, prima dicitur phantasia: secunda rationalis: tertia memorialis. Inter phantasiam et rationalem est pannus quidam frigidus et siccus,” &c., &c.—“Ex memoriali vero procedunt duo canales tenues et humidi, qui penetrant per totam compaginem, et veniunt usque ad phantasiæ cellulam, per quos possit phantasticus spiritus et rationalis commendari memoriæ, et iterum memorialis duci ad rationem et phantasiam.” The faculties, it would appear, then belonged to the peripatetic school! and were not permanently attached to one habitation.

XI.

DE VIRTUTIBUS NOSTRUM CORPUS DISPENSANTIBUS.

“Ex veris Galeni libris fragmentum,” says the editor.

The powers or faculties (virtutes) have their origin in three sources, viz., the heart, the head, and the liver;—the influence or effects arising therefrom. Animal and vital spirits. Generation is under the influence of all three.

XII.

DE VOCE ET ANHELITU. TRACTATUS QUATUOR.

Of the voice and the organs producing it. How effected, impeded or lost. Diversity of, in gravity, or acuteness, &c. Injuries of the medulla spinalis, how affecting the voice and breathing. Natural breathing, if voluntary.

XIII.

DE UTILITATE RESPIRATIONIS.

Many of the things in this book, the editor says, are correct, but for the most part are taken from Aristotle. The consideration is interesting, from the facts and speculations found in it.

XIV.

COMPENDIUM PULSUUM.

“Liber jejunus, sed non omnino rejiciendus,” says the editor.

XV.

DE MOTIBUS MANIFESTIS ET OBSCURIS.

This treatise attributed to Galen, is stated to have been translated from the Greek into Arabic by Johannitius; and from the Arabic into Latin, by Marcus. By such repeated translations, several errors have been introduced. Galen mentions this book in several places; nor is it undeserving of attention. It may afford a slight idea of its contents to state that in ten short chapters the following subjects are embraced. Of the faculty or power of motion in different parts, its causes, &c. Of the motion in respiration, and of the difference of opinion as to its being voluntary or involuntary. A comparison drawn between such involuntary, or non-manifest motions, and the intestine motion of some fluids, &c.; of the motion of the penis; of the tongue; of the motions of vomiting and swallowing; of the motion of the eyelids; of the motions excited in coughing, laughing, and sneezing, &c.

XVI.

DE DISSOLUTIONE CONTINUA CORPORIS HUMANI.

Many parts of this treatise are derived from Galen’s books, “De alimentis et cibis boni et mali succi,” and it is supposed to have been written by some one long after him. It consists principally of a statement of the nature of the food, with which the body is supplied, to make up the deficiences arising from the discharges.

XVII.

DE AQUIS, EX GALENO, ET ALIIS PRÆSTANTISSIMIS MEDICIS.

a. gadaldinus, translator.

The Venice eighth edition says that this book is entitled in the previous editions “De Bonitate Aquæ,” and is greatly mutilated. It here consists of six chapters, derived from Oribasius, who has extracted them from different sources, as Galen, Rufus, Diocles, Athenæus, &c.

XVIII.

DE VINIS. EX GALENO.

a. gadaldinus, translator.

From the medical tracts of Oribasius.

XIX.

PRÆSAGIUM EXPERIENTIA CONFIRMATUM.

g. valla, translator.

An imitation of some of Galen’s books, but trifling in execution. It treats of præsages, in general, and of the signs indicative of future fever. Something is said on sweat, and bloodletting, on which last, evidence of bold and energetic practice is apparent, and is extracted from Galen.

XX.

DE URINÆ SIGNIFICATIONE, EX HIPPOCRATE.

g. valla, translator.

XXI.

DE SIMPLICIBUS MEDICAMINIBUS.

A short description of a long catalogue of remedies, addressed to a friend, whose diligence and skill he warmly praises. They are arranged in alphabetic order. It will serve for reference.

XXII.

DE VIRTUTE CENTAUREÆ.

A book, says the editor, which though probably not from Galen, yet much is to be found in it not devoid of reason. It contains an account of two species of centaury, their powers, preparation, and use in disease.

XXIII.

DE CATHARTICIS.

An incorrect (corruptus) book, says the editor, and to be cautiously compared with the true writings of Galen. Cathartics are here intended to apply to other evacuants than mere purgatives. In this book are therefore considered, not only such, but those also that cause vomition, a discharge of tears, or from the ears, nostrils, lungs, and thorax, liver, spleen, kidneys, and uterus, &c. Some useful hints may be derived from its perusal.

XXIV.

DE GYNÆCEIS, ID EST, DE PASSIONIBUS MULIERUM.

n. rhegius, translator.

A trifling treatise according to the editor. It consists of various prescriptions, for numerous female affections.

XXV.

LIBER SECRETORUM.

addressed to monteus.

Although these secrets are not from Galen, yet, says the editor, something may be derived from their perusal. They consist of prescriptions, with an occasional record of some case in point, somewhat as a puff direct. An ingenious quack might here find arrows for his quiver! as well as advertisements for the public. Some of the prescriptions have so many ingredients, that the disease must be fastidious, that could not pick out some one for its benefit.

XXVI.

DE MEDICINIS EXPERTIS, VEL MEDICINALIS EXPERIMENTATIO.

This is rather a singular treatise, and may possibly be correctly ascribed to Galen, judging from its beginning. “The lightning, says the author, which struck the altar, burnt up the King’s books, and together with them, many medical works; many books of my own were destroyed, some of them complete, and some merely commenced. I do not so much regret them, as I do the loss of many experiments in medicine contained in them, which I had obtained from several excellent experimenters; for some of which thus obtained, I returned perhaps several, or purchased them for cash.” It would seem, however, that copies must have been kept of many of them, for at the close of the preface, we are told that he composed this book, from medicines he had himself tried, and acquired from good physicians; and adds, that here are to be found not the remedies of universal note, but such, as for the most part were unknown to all. “If hereafter I acquire more, I will write another book respecting them.” He then proceeds to give prescriptions for these remedies, received from sundry Empirics, and other physicians and philosophers, whose names are stated; concluding with some, which “multoties experti sumus.” The whole is a curious farrago, and as a curiosity may deserve inspection.

XXVII.

DE MELANCHOLIA, EX GALENO, RUFO, ET POSSIDONIO, AB AETIOa CONSCRIPTA.

j. cornario, translator.

This disease seems to have had as many vagaries formerly, as at present, and to have been equally difficult of cure. The rationale of some of these vagaries is attempted, such as of those who considered themselves to be an earthen pipkin, (vas fictile.) Another who thought he had no head.b The observations are in many parts judicious; and the treatment is perhaps fully as correct as any now pursued.

XXVIII.

DE CURA ICTERI.

Much herein, says the editor, is true, and derived from high authority. Phlebotomy and evacuations both up and down, with topical applications are urged, such as cataplasms, cups, &c. Baths, diet, &c., are not omitted, and various medicines are enumerated for particular indications.

XXIX.

DE CURA LAPIDIS.

If judiciously perused, says the editor, something useful may be obtained. The treatise is regarded as of Arabian origin. Much utility is ascribed to diet and certain remedies in destroying the stone; and several prescriptions are interspersed, most of which seem to be of the order of diuretics. Some directions are given for the cure of incontinence of urine.

XXX.

QUÆSITA ASCRIPTA GALENO, IN HIPPOC. DE URINIS.

These appear to be inquiries (to be pursued) as to certain points on the subject of urine in the Prognostics and Aphorisms of Hippocrates.

XXXI.

LIBER DE HUMORIBUS.

a. gadaldinus, translator.

Probably short minutes of the larger treatise on this subject, under class third. Of little importance. Not found in the Basil edition.

XXXII.

DE PLANTIS. TRANSLATUS DE ARABICO.

This appears to be a glossary of Humain, an Arabian, on several plants, &c., mentioned by Galen, possessing certain occult qualities, not fully investigated or proved, and which Humain undertakes to explain and illustrate under forty-six heads.—Not in the Basil edition.

XXXIII.

DE CLYSTERIBUS ET COLICA.

This would seem to be also from the hand of Humain, and is stated to have been translated into Arabic from the Greek, and from the Arabic into Hebrew: the Latin Translator is not mentioned. Some good remarks occur as to glysters, and numerous prescriptions, adapted to various ends, especially in cases of colic.

With this, the Libri Spurii terminate, and a short series called Fragments, bring the writings of Galen to a conclusion. These are merely enumerated. They do not appear in the Basil edition.

[a ]Τα Νοθα.

[a ]Lib. 6. cap 9.

[b ]And girls turned bottles, call aloud for corks.”—Pope.