Ed.: Littré 5.588–733; B. Alexanderson, Die hippokratische Schrift Prognostikon: Überlieferung und Text (1963);
H. Polack, Textkritische Untersuchungen zu der hippokratischen Schrift Prorrhetikos I (1976); Potter (1995)
167 – 293.
L. Edelstein, Ancient Medicine (1967) 65–85; V. Langholf, Medical Theories in Hippocrates: Early Texts and the
“Epidemics” (1990) 232–254; T. Stover, “Form and function in Prorrhetic 2,” in P. van der Eijk, ed.,
Hippocrates in Context (2005) 345–361.
Rebecca Flemming
Hippokratic Corpus, Protreptic Works (ca 420 – 100 BCE)
The Art (Littré 6). This carefully worked treatise sets out to demonstrate that there really is
a tekhne ̄ (“art,” “craft,” “science”) of medicine. Various arguments to the contrary are set
out and rebutted, for instance the contention that medical cures arise from tukhe ̄ (“luck”)
rather than from tekhne ̄. The author, perhaps a sophist rather than a practicing doctor, is at
home with techniques of literary prose and rhetorical expression ( Jones v.2, 1923; Heiberg
1927: 9–19; J. Jouanna, Hippocrate v. 5.1 [CUF 1988]).
Precepts (Littré 9). This little work is made up of a disjointed amalgam of notes and
remarks, where much is individually and collectively obscure. The vocabulary is recondite
and the style self-consciously arresting. It describes the precepts to be followed by the ideal,
high-principled physician. In date, it is regarded as “late”: at least Hellenistic and possibly
Roman ( Jones v.1, 1923; Heiberg 1927: 30–35).
Law (Littré 4). The Law is frequently linked with the H C, O,
but is more reflective in character. Debate on the tekhne ̄ of medicine centers on the
qualities required for medical expertise and understanding: innate ability, proper
instruction and diligence. There is in conclusion a reference to the peripatetic nature of the
profession and to the “sacred” character of its knowledge ( Jones v.2, 1923; Heiberg 1927:
7 – 8).
Decorum (Littré 9). The author argues that personal phusis is necessary for progress in
medical wisdom, as the prerequisites of this cannot be taught; indeed teaching in general is
suspect. The work is idiosyncratic in vocabulary and contorted in expression; on the basis of
this it is commonly regarded as “late.” The content, however, accords with matters debated
in the 5th c. ( Jones v.2, 1923; Heiberg 1927: 25–29).
Physician (Littré 9). In this tract, the qualities of appearance and character desiderated in
the ideal doctor are first outlined: health, dignity and trustworthiness are important. The
essential elements of basic medical education are then set out: particular attention is paid to
the orientation of the surgery, to proper ways of bandaging and to appropriate types of
instrument. The work with its practical tenor has an appealing immediacy. (Potter 1995;
Heiberg 1927: 20–24).
J. L. Heiberg, CMG 1.1.1 (1927).
Elizabeth Craik
Hippokratic Corpus, Regimen (ca 430 – 370 BCE)
Regimen I–IV: a series of four treatises placing the human being, both physically and
psychologically, in the kosmos. The first, much influenced by the Pre-Socratics, draws
analogies between the kosmos and human microcosm, both constituted from fire and
water, which govern diet, health, sickness, and even reproduction. The second establishes
the impact of location (with significant differences from H C, A,
HIPPOKRATIC CORPUS, PROTREPTIC WORKS