Who said “The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while nature cures the disease.”?

Misattributed

Not Voltaire. It's commonly credited to them, but the evidence shows it isn't theirs.

What the research foundNot by Voltaire. Earliest known source: An idea traced to Pitton (1678); short form anonymous by 1823.

Evidence: Quote Investigator · Wikiquote · How we check

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“The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while nature cures the disease.”
— Voltaire
MisattributedNot by Voltaire. Earliest known source: An idea traced to Pitton (1678); short form anonymous by 1823. · evidenceMedicine

Cite this quote

APA

“The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while nature cures the disease.” [Quotation attributed to Voltaire]. (n.d.). Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/25032-the-art-of-medicine-consists-of-amusing-the/

MLA

“The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while nature cures the disease.” Attributed to Voltaire. Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/25032-the-art-of-medicine-consists-of-amusing-the/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

“The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while nature cures the disease.” Attributed to Voltaire. Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/25032-the-art-of-medicine-consists-of-amusing-the/.

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