We profess to teach the principles and practice of…
“We profess to teach the principles and practice of medicine, or, in other words, the science and art of medicine. Science is knowledge reduced to principles; art is knowledge reduced to practice. The knowing and doing, however, are distinct. ... Your knowledge, therefore, is useless unless you cultivate the art of healing. Unfortunately, the scientific man very often has the least amount of art, and he is totally unsuccessful in practice; and, on the other hand, there may be much art based on an infinitesimal amount of knowledge, and yet it is sufficient to make its cultivator eminent.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Medical science offers principles; healing art applies them—both are essential, yet many focus on theory over practice.
In simple terms: Science gives rules; art applies them in healing.
Key Takeaway
Balance knowledge with compassionate practice.
Themes
medicine
education
practice
art
science
Mood
reflective
professional
Type
Amount:0
Art:1
Art and science:1
Art is:0
Doctor:0
Hands:0
Healing:1
Knowing:0
Knowing and doing:1
Knowledge:0
May:0
Medicine:1
Men:0
Practice:1
Practice of medicine:1
Principles:0
Science:0
Scientist:0
Success:0
Sufficient:0
Teach:0
Unsuccessful:0
Useless:0
Art Of Medicine:0
Art Medicine:0
Medicine Science:0
Science Knowledge:0
Knowledge Reduced:0
When to use this quote
- medical school
- clinical rotations
- patient care
Key Concepts
pedagogy
clinical skills
humanism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can doctors integrate art into daily practice?
- What does “art of healing” mean to you?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on theory can hinder patient outcomes.