0"T' LAERT> "! - USP

208 THE MIDDLE AGES.
law."* "The teachers must during this period of five years
expound in their lectures the genuine writings of HIPPO­
KRATES and GALEN on the theory and practice of
medicine." " But even when the prescribed five years
of medical study are passed, the doctor should not forthwith
practise on his own account but for a full year more
he should habitually consult an older experienced practi­
tioner in the exercise of his profession."
Concerning the motives which brought about the introduction
of medical examinations it is said : " We further
the cause of the individual, while caring for the public |
good. Accordingly, in view of the grievous loss and '
irremediable injury which may arise from the ignorance |
of doctors, we decree that in future no one is to assume
the title of doctor or to proceed to practise or to take
medical charge, unless he has previously been found
competent in the judgment of teachers at a public meeting 4
in Salerno, has moreover by the testimony in writing of his !
teachers and of our officials approved himself before us or
our representatives in respect of his worthiness and
scientific maturity, and in pursuance of this course has
received the state-license to practise. Whoever transgresses
this law and ventures to practise without a licence,
is subject to punishment by confiscation, of property and i
imprisonment for a year."f |
In regard to the education of surgeons it was decreed, |
"that no surgeon shall be allowed to practise, until he
has submitted certificates in writing of the teachers of the
Faculty of Medicine, that he has spent at least one year jj
in the study of that part of medical, science which gives
skill in the practise of surgery, that in the colleges he has j
diligently and especially studied the anatomy of the human
body, and is also thoroughly experienced in the way in ,
which operations are successfully performed and healing is*
brought about afterwards."! ,*
* Hist, diplom. Frid. II. op. cit. p. 235, lib. 3, tit. 46.
f op. cit. p. .50, tit. 45. t °P- cit - P- 2 36- 'I