The poets did well to conjoin music and medicine, in Apollo, because the office of medicine is but to tune the curious harp of man's body and reduce it to harmony.
This quote highlights the profound connection between art and science, particularly emphasizing how poetry and music can serve higher purposes in understanding and healing the human condition. Framing Apollo—traditionally associated with arts, music, and healing—as a symbol underscores the idea that medicine is not merely a scientific endeavor but also an art that requires harmony, creativity, and insight. The metaphor of tuning the 'curious harp of man's body' suggests that health is akin to a delicate instrument, whose proper functioning depends on fine adjustments and an understanding beyond just the physical components. The role of poets and musicians in shaping our perception of harmony exemplifies the importance of aesthetic and emotional intelligence in healing and well-being. This echoes the holistic approach to health, recognizing that balance, harmony, and emotional wellness are integral to longevity and vitality. Bacon’s reflection invites us to see medicine as a craft rooted in harmony, where knowledge, intuition, and artistry intersect to restore wholeness. In contemporary times, this perspective continues to resonate, reminding us that effective healing involves more than just scientific knowledge; it requires compassion, imagination, and an appreciation for the human spirit, echoing the timeless wisdom that true wellness encompasses the harmony of body, mind, and soul.