De marchand de savon, ou de avengle oculiste,
De baigneur imbecile, ou d’absurde alchimiste,
Pas d’heretique impur qui ne se targue, enfin,
Du beau titre, du nom sacre de medecin.”
The investigation of medical science was far from being an honor to the middle ages. The best of the profession was hidden in the doctoral sanctuary, enveloped in those mysteries which are never penetrated by the profane and only known to the initiated.
The recommendations as to the secrets of our art are addressed to all young doctors in that famous epilogue commencing:
“Gardez surtout, gardez qui’un profane vulgaire
De votre art respecte ne perce le mystere;
Son eclat devoile perdrait sa dignite
D’un mystere connu decroit la majeste,”