"In writing the history of a disease, every philosophical hypothesis whatsoever, that has previously occupied the mind of the author, should lie in abeyance"
- Thomas Sydenham
About this Quote
This quote by Thomas Sydenham is stressing the importance of neutrality when writing the history of a disease. He is recommending that any philosophical hypotheses that the author might have formerly held ought to be put aside and not affect the writing of the history. This is essential because it enables an unbiased and precise account of the illness to be composed. It is necessary that the history of a disease is not clouded by the author's own beliefs and viewpoints, as this might lead to a distorted variation of events. Sydenham's quote is a pointer to authors to stay objective and to concentrate on the truths when writing the history of a disease. This will ensure that the history is as precise and reliable as possible.
"A lawyer without history or literature is a mechanic, a mere working mason; if he possesses some knowledge of these, he may venture to call himself an architect"
"We have our own history, our own language, our own culture. But our destiny is also tied up with the destinies of other people - history has made us all South Africans"
