Thomas Sydenham

The art of medicine was to be properly learned only from its practice and its exercise.

Disease is nothing else but an attempt on the part of the body to rid itself of morbific matter.

I watched what method Nature might take, with intention of subduing the symptom by treading in her footsteps.

Gout, unlike any other disease, kills more rich men than poor, more wise men than simple. Great kings, emperors, generals, admirals and philosophers have all died of gout.

Lastly, he must remember that he himself hath no exemption from the common lot, but that he is bound by the same laws of mortality, and liable to the same ailments and afflictions with his fellows.

The arrival of a good clown exercises a more beneficial influence upon the health of a town than twenty asses laden with drugs.