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Cures Quote by Francis Bacon

“Doctor Johnson said, that in sickness there were three things that were material; the physician, the disease, and the patient: and if any two of these joined, then they get the victory; for, Ne Hercules quidem contra duos [Not even Hercules himself is a match for two]. If the physician and the…” quote by Francis Bacon
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“Doctor Johnson said, that in sickness there were three things that were material; the physician, the disease, and the patient: and if any two of these joined, then they get the victory; for, Ne Hercules quidem contra duos [Not even Hercules himself is a match for two]. If the physician and the patient join, then down goes the disease; for then the patient recovers: if the physician and the disease join, that is a strong disease; and the physician mistaking the cure, then down goes the patient: if the patient and the disease join, then down goes the physician; for he is discredited.”

Francis Bacon

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Advancement of Learning, 1605

Physician, disease, and patient are three essential elements; when two align, the third is defeated, highlighting the importance of collaboration.

In simple terms: Collaboration among two of three parties defeats the third.

Key Takeaway

Align two parties to overcome the third.

Themes

medicine collaboration power dynamics

Mood

analytical critical

Type

ethical strategic

When to use this quote

  • clinical practice
  • public health policy
  • teamwork training

Key Concepts

systems theory ethics strategy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we ensure ethical collaboration?
  • What risks arise when parties misalign?
A Different Perspective

The model oversimplifies complex medical realities.

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