Chapter I: Preface

In this essay I have treated, as the title indicates, of medical symbolism in connection with studies, essentially historical, in the arts of healing and hygiene. Some parts of it bear only indirectly on the main subject; but they serve to render the whole more complete and interesting. Doubtless the reader will not be inclined to find much fault with any of the apparent digressions.

In the score of chapters into which the essay is divided, attention is invited to numerous more or less remarkable matters pertaining to medicine, most of them of very ancient date, and some of practical importance. Medical mythology is treated of very fully; and, on this, as indeed on all points, the results of the most recent archæological and other investigations are given. All I have said is deserving, I believe, of the consideration of educated physicians.[1] “The wise man will seek out the wisdom of all the ancients,” says the author of “Ecclesiasticus,”[2] one who had the tastes of a cultivated medical man.

Although the essay is mainly on old things, I venture to hold that it contains much which a fairly well-read physician will find fresh. The ground gone over has been little trodden before. It may be said, as Pliny did, by way of suggestion of difficulties to be overcome, when he sat down to write his sketch of the history of the art of medicine, “that no one has hitherto treated of this subject.”[3] But just as Pliny overlooked what Celsus had done, and done well, so in this case, some worthy author may have been overlooked; still, this is improbable. What is here presented, and in part coherently, is gathered from manifold sources. I have limited my references as much as possible to works in the English language, or translations. The statements of authors are given in their own words; but quotations of wearisome length have been avoided.

The possibility of research in respect to the themes treated of, and allied ones, not being limited, the essay cannot be expected to be either perfect or complete. Whatever its merits or shortcomings may be, however, it is an outcome of congenial studies pursued for their own sake. I believe it contains a fund of information which deserves to be widely known. The perusal of it may, at least, serve to excite an interest in the ample literature and long and remarkable history of the benevolent and learned profession of medicine.

T. S. S.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THOMAS S. SOZINSKEY, M.D., PH.D.

Thomas S. Sozinskey, M.D., Ph.D., the author of this interesting little volume, was born in County Derry, Ireland, and died in the city of Philadelphia, April 18, 1889, in the thirty-seventh year of his age. He came to this country when seventeen years of age, and settled in Philadelphia. Entering the University of Pennsylvania some years later, he graduated from that institution, and afterward began the study of medicine, receiving the degree of Doctor of Medicine in the year 1872. He also received the degree of Doctor of Philosophy from the same faculty.

Dr. Sozinskey immediately entered upon his career as medical practitioner in Philadelphia, where he remained until his marriage to Miss Abby W. Johnson, a daughter of Luke Johnson, who was a descendant of one of the founders of Germantown.

Shortly after his marriage Dr. Sozinskey decided to visit Kansas City, partly with the idea of locating there; but after a sojourn of about one year in the West he returned to Philadelphia, and began again the practice of his chosen profession, succeeding in a few years in building up a very extensive and lucrative practice in the northwestern section of the city.

Dr. Sozinskey was a man highly intellectual, studious, and scholarly. He was a frequent contributor to a number of leading medical journals, as well as the author of several well-known works, among which may be mentioned “The Care and Culture of Children.” Also, a little volume entitled “Personal Appearance and the Culture of Beauty.”

His last literary effort, “Medical Symbolism,” which is a work showing a vast amount of research, was completed just before his death. He was induced to undertake “Medical Symbolism” after the appearance of an article bearing this title in the _Medical and Surgical Reporter_, which attracted considerable attention, both in this country and in Europe.

He received so many letters from men prominent in the medical profession, suggesting that a book be written upon this subject, that the task was undertaken.

By his untimely death three small children became orphans, the mother having died one year earlier, after a short illness.

His readiness to attend the sick, regardless of compensation, greatly endeared him to a large number of the poor.

Containing, as it does, so much that is unique, and in a field not often touched by previous writers, “Medical Symbolism” is sure to find appreciative readers, not only among the fraternity to which Dr. Sozinskey belonged, but among the scientific and literary generally; and, from the encouragement already received, the publishers feel confident of a large and wide-spread demand for this little volume.

E. S. P.

PHILADELPHIA, October 27, 1890.

COMMENDATORY LETTERS.

PHILADELPHIA, Jan, 24, 1884.

DR. T. S. SOZINSKEY:

DEAR SIR:—Please accept my thanks for your paper on “Medical
Symbolism,” received this morning. I have read it with great
interest, more especially as it is in the direction of the
higher education of physicians. The preponderance of the
so-called practical (empirical) in medical literature, which
appeals strongly to the _trade_ element in the profession,
makes such a contribution all the more enjoyable.

Very truly yours,

FRANCES EMILY WHITE.

1427 N. SIXTEENTH ST.

DR. SOZINSKEY:

DEAR DOCTOR:—Many thanks. You ought to enlarge the article to
a little book. It interested me greatly. In a _bas-relief_ of
myself by St. Gaudens, New York, he has set beside the head the
caduceus and twin serpents as symbolical; at all events, they
will symbolize my relation to snakes.

Yours truly,

WEIR MITCHELL.

1524 WALNUT ST., PHILA.

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 23, 1884.

DR. T. S. SOZINSKEY:

MY DEAR DOCTOR:—I write to thank you for a copy of your
interesting and instructive paper on “Medical Symbolism.” In
Fergusson, on “Tree and Serpent Worship,” which you quote,
you can readily trace the connection between the emblems
of religion and medicine. I recognize that, as priest and
physician were once the same person, medicine is yet justly
termed “the divine art.” It affords me much pleasure to see
your studious interest in your profession.

Yours truly,

HENRY H. SMITH.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

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DEDICATION, iii