Reconstructing history.

This second collection of essays-a sequel to The double face of Janus (1977)-brings together some of the most influential articles written by the late Owsei Temkin, one of our most distinguished medical historians. The first two chapters are new, the first biographical in character, and the second a new translation and commentary of the Hippocratic Oath. Temkin lived long enough to become his own critic and revisionist, allowing himself to have "second thoughts" about some of the work he penned decades ago. In fact, he strongly recommended old age to historians, a reassuring advice for someone like myself, just recently retired. Removed from the hustle and bustle of academic lifemeetings, deans, and students we have much more time for reflection and "second thoughts". As the author observes, we also become sought-after witnesses to history, primary sources for younger historians delving into events and personalities we have been intimately acquainted with. Here too I empathize with Temkin's stated apprehension: are they getting it "right?" Agreeing with current trends regarding the value of narratives, the author asserts that "a few telling anecdotes can do more for our empathy, our feeling for the period,