Note 372 — Chapter I · THE MEDICINE OF THE GREEKS BEFORE THE TIME OF HIPPOCRATES.
Reading edition
The following are translations of some of the tablets suspended in the temples, as given in Hieron Mercurialis (De Art. Gymnast., Amstel., 4to, 1672, pp. 2, 3):—
“Some days back a certain Caius, who was blind, learned from an oracle that he should repair to the temple, put up his fervent prayers, cross the sanctuary from right to left, place his five fingers on the altar, then raise his hand and cover his eyes. He obeyed, and instantly his sight was restored, amidst the loud acclamations of the multitude. These signs of the omnipotence of the gods were shown in the reign of Antoninus.”
“A blind soldier, named Valerius Apes, having consulted the oracle, was informed that he should mix the blood of a white cock with honey, to make up an ointment to be applied to his eyes for three consecutive days. He received his sight, and returned public thanks to the gods.”
“Julian appeared lost beyond all hope from a spitting of blood. The gods ordered him to take from the altar some seeds of the pine, and to mix them with honey, of which mixture he was to eat for three days. He was saved, and came to thank the gods in presence of the people.”—(Smith’s Dict. Greek and Roman Ant., art. “Medicina.”)