The Genuine Works of Hippocrates – A Classic Legacy of Medicine

The Genuine Works of Hippocrates is a collection of ancient Greek medical writings associated with Hippocrates, who is widely regarded as the “Father of Western Medicine.” This edition, published in 1985 as part of The Classics of Medicine Library, is based on the renowned English translation by the physician and scholar Francis Adams.

The work marks an important turning point in the history of medicine. Disease gradually came to be understood as a natural phenomenon associated with environmental conditions, climate, water sources, diet, and lifestyle, rather than being explained solely through divine intervention or superstition.

The treatises cover a wide range of subjects, including clinical examination, diagnosis, prognosis, epidemics, patient care, fractures, dislocations, and medical ethics. In particular, the detailed records of symptoms, daily disease progression, and patient recovery demonstrate that systematic clinical observation had already begun to develop in ancient times.

The work is also closely associated with the Hippocratic Oath, which emphasizes physicians’ responsibilities to protect their patients, maintain confidentiality, avoid causing harm, and uphold the dignity of the medical profession. These principles continue to exert a profound influence on modern medical ethics.

Although many of the treatments described in the book are no longer consistent with contemporary medical practice, The Genuine Works of Hippocrates retains exceptional historical, cultural, and educational value. It reminds readers of the enduring foundations of medicine: careful observation, evidence-based reasoning, respect for patients, and professional responsibility.

With its elegant leather binding, gold tooling, and historically significant content, the volume is not only an important reference work but also a valuable addition to medical libraries and collections devoted to the history of medicine.