The Preservation of Youth: Essays on Health

Moses Maimonides

Nov 2014 · Open Road Media

About this ebook

Based on his Jewish faith, Maimonides fused neo-Aristotelian philosophy with the Jewish legal tradition into a systemic whole. In his main philosophic work, The Guide for the Perplexed, he attempted to appeal to rationalists troubled by the personal embodiment of God in the biblical accounts. It is in that rational spirit that he provided a strikingly modern work to be used by patients and practicing physicians alike.
 
Capitalizing on his vast practical experience as a physician, combined with his knowledge of classical and medieval principles of healing, Maimonides was able to provide a comprehensive theory for the therapy of body and mind. In this work he describes many conditions including asthma, diabetes, hepatitis and pneumonia. He includes recommendations on many aspects for a healthy life which are still applicable today. Included are suggestions on diet and exercise, sex life and the underlying psychological causes of illness.

About the author

Maimonides (Moses ben Maimon 1138-1204) was born in Cordoba, Spain, but spent his most formative and productive years in Cairo, where he developed an enviable medical practice. He was appointed as the court physician to the Grand Vizier Al Qadi al Fadil, and thereafter to the Sultan Saladin. He continued to serve as the royal physician to the Sultan Saladin’s son. In addition to being an admirable physician, he was also an important philosopher. Through the environment provided by Arabic culture he had access to classical Greek philosophy and medical writings.