Asclepiades, called from his native country Bithynus, a physician, born at Prusa in Bithy-nia in the 2d century B. C, flourished in Rome in the early part of the 1st. He first studied rhetoric and philosophy, but afterward abandoned them for the study of medicine. Though his system contains some rules approved by modern science, such as reliance upon gentle measures, diet, fresh air, etc, he seems to have attained success rather by indulging the whims and caprices of his patients, flattering their prejudices, and caring for their comfort, than by any ability of his own. After successful practice in several Grecian cities, he went to Rome, where he gained great fame and wealth. He is said never to have been ill, and to have died at a great age by an accident. He left several disciples, who attained considerable prominence as teachers of his doctrines.