Assistants Quote by Robert Boyle
“I look upon a good physician, not so properly as a servant to nature, as one, that is a counsellor and friendly assistant, who, in his patient's body, furthers those motions and other things, that he judges conducive to the welfare and recovery of it; but as to those, that he perceives likely to be hurtful, either by increasing the disease, or otherwise endangering the patient, he thinks it is his part to oppose or hinder, though nature do manifestly enough seem to endeavour the exercising or carrying on those hurtful motions.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: The Sceptical Chymist, 1661
A physician should act as a caring guide, helping the body’s natural processes while preventing harmful interventions.
In simple terms: Doctors should help the body heal, avoiding harmful actions.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize patient‑centered care.
Themes
medicine
ethics
holistic health
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- clinical decision making
- preventive care
- patient education
- balancing treatment risks
Key Concepts
patient autonomy
beneficence
Questions to Reflect On
- When might intervention cause more harm than benefit?
- How can physicians better anticipate harmful outcomes?
A Different Perspective
Medical knowledge is limited; unintended harm can still occur.
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