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PREFACE.
THE following work is the first attempt at a systematic
exposition of the history of medical education. In
literature, up to the present time, only fragmentary
contributions have been made to this end, such as have
to deal with the origin and development of individual
medical schools and institutions, their scientific doctrines
and methods of teaching, the persons engaged and their
work. These sources of information had to be collected,
examined and compared with one another before becoming
of use for this book. For particular parts of the subject
reliable and detailed information was at times found want­
ing; the documents required to throw light upon them
being perhaps still locked up in archives and libraries. I
must limit myself to affording information up to that point
only where the fountains of knowledge become small or
altogether dry, and I must leave it for later inquirers to dig
up this ground and to collect material for the solution of
questions to which no answer can now be given.
The history of medical teaching is full of significance,
not only in its relation to the history of medicine and
of education, but also generally in relation to the history of
civilization, of which it. may truly be said to constitute a
necessary and an essential part. On this ground I have
considered myself bound, as well as entitled, to carefully
follow up and present the connection which my theme
has with the general development of civilization. Many
a fact which, viewed apart from general contemporary
efforts, appears enigmatical and astounding, receives in
this way a flood of light upon its meaning.