Source edition
Hippocrates. Oeuvres complètes d'Hippocrate, Vol. 9. Littré, Émile, editor. Paris: Baillière, 1861
Source data
A Digital Corpus for Graeco-Arabic Studies · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This collection of letters, decrees, and speeches centers around the legendary ancient Greek physician Hippocrates. The work begins with Hippocrates' refusal to serve the Persian king Artaxerxes and the determination of the people of Cos to protect their revered doctor. The central narrative follows the citizens of Abdera begging Hippocrates to cure the philosopher Democritus, who is suspected of madness because of his eccentric behavior and constant laughing. Upon visiting Abdera, Hippocrates engages in a profound dialogue with Democritus, realizing that the philosopher's laughter is not a sign of insanity, but rather a wise critique of human folly. Their exchange deepens into a philosophical inquiry about the disease of the human condition and the nature of true wisdom. The latter part of the collection features speeches by Hippocrates and his son Thessalus, highlighting their family's historical and medical contributions to defend the freedom of Cos and appeal for peace with Athens. Ultimately, the work traces a path from individual medical ethics and insights into humanity to the preservation of civic peace.