This is the first collection of systematized pathological anatomy. It contains clinical and pathological descriptions of nearly 3,000 cases selected from the literature from the time of Hippocrates, but mainly from the 16th and 17th centuries. It is the most useful reference book for early descriptions of pathological conditions.

Discusses 63 topics on medical ethics and decorum, patient behavior, medical diagnosis, prognosis, and practice guidelines, including how to relate to the patient in all matters, including extreme old age and death. "Momentously, Theophile Bonet set for his carefully considered views about how fatally ill persons should be related to, cared for and treated...."(Vanderpool, Palliative care [2015] 15-17).Translated into English as A guide to the practical physician: Shewing from the most approved authors, both ancient and modern, the truest and safest way of curing all diseases, internal and external, whether by medicine, surgery, or diet (London: Printed for Thomas Flesher..., 1684). Digital facsimile of the 1682 edition from Google Books at this link. Full English text available from quod.lib.umich.edu at this link.