Hindu Medicine c4.14

c4.14

picture of Hinduism, as the author presupposes it, is perhaps not sufficiently clear. It seemed advisable, therefore, to outline in some detail Zimmer’s concept of Hindu culture, the view of Indian life into which he fitted his analysis of Hindu medicine. Besides, it seemed a worthwhile undertaking to summarize those findings which Zimmer made in the course of his earlier studies, yet was prevented from integrating into the book that should have displayed all his knowledge concerning medicine. Lastly, it seemed a defensible act of piety to try to save whatever possible of the scattered notes and outlines for the missing chapters. The preface, which I have ventured to write with the consent of Mrs. Zimmer and Dr. Sigerist, is meant to supply these wants. My only qualifications for such a task are my long-lasting friendship with Zimmer and an amateur acquaintance with his work, based on our personal relationship and on my sincere respect for his accomplishment. Since it is the sole purpose of this sketch to give an account of Zimmer’s work without any endeavor at evaluation, my lack of critical judgment is perhaps less a disadvantage than it would be ordinarily. That I have introduced my report by a few remarks on Zimmer’s personality, the reader will,