Encomium Artis Medicae: De Lof Der Geneeskunde

Name: Encomium Artis Medicae: De Lof Der Geneeskunde
Author: Desiderius Erasmus

By Desiderius Erasmus

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Essays, Letters & Speeches Health & Medicine

About This Book

A learned encomium addressed to students and a patron sets forth the dignity, authority, usefulness, and necessity of medicine, arguing that the art requires neither artificial embellishment nor denigration of other disciplines. It praises ancient inventors and the high esteem once accorded their discoveries, while acknowledging the discipline's practical difficulties arising from the diversity of bodies, climates, ailments, and remedies. The speaker warns against rhetorical excess, treats major themes briefly rather than exhaustively, and urges youthful study and proper recognition of the medical practice's complex responsibilities.

About the Author

Desiderius Erasmus

Desiderius Erasmus, a Dutch Renaissance humanist and theologian, is best known for his critical and satirical works that challenged the religious and social norms of his time. Born in Rotterdam around 1466, he became a prominent figure in the intellectual movement that emphasized the importance of education and classical learning. His most famous work, "In Praise of Folly," critiques the superstitions and corrupt practices of the Church, blending humor with sharp insight. Erasmus's dialogues, such as "A Merry Dialogue Declaringe the Properties of Shrowde Shrews and Honest Wives," showcase his wit and ability to engage with complex ideas through accessible conversation. His contributions to literature and thought continue to influence modern perspectives on education, religion, and society.