(34) Bk. VIII, Chap. VII.
(35) Pliny: Natural History (XXIX, 1), Philemon Holland's
version, London, 1601, II, 347.
But we must return to Galen and his works, which comprise the most
voluminous body of writings left by any of the ancients. The great
edition is that in twenty-two volumes by Kuhn (1821-1833). The most
useful editions are the "Juntines" of Venice, which were issued in
thirteen editions. In the fourth and subsequent editions a very useful
index by Brassavola is included. A critical study of the writings is at
present being made by German scholars for the Prussian Academy, which
will issue a definitive edition of his works.
Galen had an eclectic mind and could not identify himself with any
of the prevailing schools, but regarded himself as a disciple of
Hippocrates. For our purpose, both his philosophy and his practice are
of minor interest in comparison with his great labors in anatomy and
physiology.
In anatomy, he was a pupil of the Alexandrians to whom he constantly
refers. Times must have changed since the days of Herophilus, as Galen
does not seem ever to have had an opportunity of dissecting the human
body, and he laments the prejudice which prevents it.
Pages:
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127