The aim of this book is to present in a simple way an overview of the main stages of medicine throughout its evolution over the centuries. The narrative begins with the deeply magic-influenced medicine of primitive peoples and concludes with modern achievements and future prospects.

This book is guided by two main ideas. The first concerns the continuous nature of medical progress, which should still be considered in its early stages. Thus, current theory and practice incorporate knowledge gained over centuries, while many ancient views and some ancient forms of medicine still survive today, particularly in primitive societies. Understanding the misguided beliefs of the past is essential because it helps avoid the arrogance of modern doctors, which could arise from overestimating their own power.

The second idea pertains to the importance of the patient's trust in their relationship with the doctor.