INTRODUCTION. 5 
a Saracen, and Salernus a Latin: who taught medi- 
cine in their se ps languages, but at what era 
is not mentione 
Though ade works had never been wanting in 
the dark ages, and the works of Hippocrates and 
Galen were translated into Latin as early as the 
sixth century ®, yet this art was principally derived 
from the Arabians, who likewise learned it from the 
Greeks. After that warlike people had softened 
into habits of peace and luxury, by the encourage- 
ment of their khalifs, and particularly of Almamon, 
at the beginning of the ninth century, they applied 
themselves to learning. Many of the Greek writers 
were translated into Arabic, and the philosophy of 
Aristotle, and the art of medicine of Hippocrates 
and Galen became their favourite studies. In their 
frequent visits to the port of Salerno, the knowledge 
which they freely communicated was eagerly received 
there, and diligently cultivated. For many centuries 
the most able professors of medicine were the higher 
prelates, and the superior monks ® 
7 Anton, Mazza, ween ane cap. sa 
Ah +4h . eo 7 ee 
Legite Hippocratem et Galenum Latina lingua conversos. Mu- 
ratori Antiq. Ital. vol. iii. col. 930. 
® Subsequently, by the councils of Lateran in 1139, of Tours 
in 1163, and the decree of Honorius III. in 1216, the clergy 
B3 
