In all abundance there is lack.

First of all a natural talent is required; for when Nature opposes, everything else is in vain; but when Nature leads the way to what is most excellent, instruction in the art takes place.

Medicine in its present state is, it seems to me, by now completely discovered, insofar as it teaches in each instance the particular details and the correct measures. For anyone who has an understanding of medicine in this way depends very little upon good luck, but is able to do good with or without luck. For the whole of medicine has been established, and the excellent principles discovered in it clearly have very little need of good luck.

Life is short, art long, opportunity fleeting, experiment uncertain, and judgment difficult.

Where prayer, amulets and incantations work it is only a manifestation of the patient's belief.

What medicines do not heal, the lance will; what the lance does not heal, fire will.

All excesses are inimical to Nature. It is safer to proceed a little at a time, especially when changing from one regimen to another.