The Art of Physick
The following discourse is between the Nicholas La Framboisire, Physician to King Louis XIV of France (1643–1715), and his Son. The set of Questions was to evaluate his son’s understanding of Physick (Medicine) before he went to the Medical College of Montpelliar to obtain his Degree of Medicine. It is a translation of the Book De Schola Medicina, The School of Medicine.
It is particularly worthwhile as it is in simple question and answer format and covers the whole scope of medicine: Physiology, Preservation and Maintenance of Health, and Pathology.
It is an overview of the basic Principles, not a detailed account. It is therefore worthy of study to obtain an overall picture of Traditional Western Medicine Theory before delving deeper into its intricacies.
The Discourse is between the ‘Dean’ (denoted ‘D’ throughout the text) and the ‘Candidate’ (denoted ‘C’).
Section A.
OF THE 7 NATURALS
(Physiology)
Introduction to the 7 Naturals
1. Elements
2. Temperaments
3. Parts
4. Humors
5. Spirits
6. Faculties
7. Actions
Section B.
OF THE 6 NOT-NATURALS
(Preservation of Health)
Introduction to the 6 Not-Naturals
1. Ambient Air
2. Food and Drink
3. Sleep and Waking
4a. Exercise &
4b. Rest
5. Excrements
6. Emotions (Passions of the Mind)
Section C.
OF THE 3 PRETER-NATURALS
(Pathology)
1. Diseases
2. Causes
3a. Symptoms &
3b. Signs
Continue to
Introduction to the 7 Naturals
