Note (16) — BOOK I.

16. Iatroalipta.) This is a Greek word, and signifies a physician that anoints. There was always one or more of these attending a gymnasium, to whose province belonged every thing that related to unction. To their care was committed the strength and complexion of the body; thus Cicero in an epistle to Lentulus, says, Sed vellem non solum salutis meae, quemadmodum medici, sed etiam ut aliptae, virium et coloris rationem babere voluissent. It is probable, that at their first institution, they were acquainted with the nature and effects of their operations on human bodies; and according to Plato, de Legibus, lib. xi. they were either physicians, or in many things equal to them. But Galen complains, that in his time they were ignorant. For a more particular account, see Mercurial. de Art. Gymnast. lib. i. cap. 12.