The janus face of medicine

Since antiquity medicine has repeatedly been accused of being noxious (or ineffective). Physicians have always admitted that their art - because of its efficacy - could be dangerous. Lack of success or unwanted effects stimulate research in quest of a better definition of efficacy and to improve safety. In practice, however, it is necessary to act here and now, by the available means, hopefully in line with Hippocrates' precaution, <<to help, or at least to do no harm>>.