Late Professor of Surgery and Surg. Anatomy in the Washington University of Baltimore, and BALTIMORE: PRINTED BY JOHN MURPHY, 146 MARKET STREET. PREFACE. THE following sketches of Jewish Physicians were prepared for the Maryland Medical and Surgical Journal, by one of the editors. It was believed that an acceptable service would be rendered to the readers of the Journal and the profession generally, by translating Carmoly's sketches of men so distinguished among God's ancient people for their medical skill and personal character. It will be seen that a debt of gratitude is due to them for having preserved with a bright and steady flame the torch of science through the gloomy period of the dark ages of the world; and there is a peculiar pleasure derived from doing an act of historical justice long after the dust of centuries has settled upon their memories, by giving the due meed of fame to those who toiled and died in the practice of a noble profession, but especially so in awakening the attention of those who follow in their footsteps in a New World. Justice to the author and to the editor, requires the statement that these translations were prepared under an unusual pressure of professional engagements connected with teaching and hospital and private practice, and under the urgent demands of that unmentionable personage so well known as the terror of authors, but whose name is forbidden to "ears polite." One word in conclusion. The extra copies which were struck off by the courtesy of the publisher were not intended for the public, but only for a small circle of friends who will, doubtless, overlook the defects of style and other faults in that indulgent kindness which covereth a multitude of sins. |