TESTIMONIALS
FROM
JAMES SANDERS, M. D,
II pMBER OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS, AND LECTURER ON THE PRACTICE OP PHYSIC,
A3 CANDIDATE FOR THE PROFESSORSHIP OF THE PRACTICE OF PHYSIC,
IN THE
UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH,
TO THE
RIGHT HONOURABLE THE LORD PROVOST, AND THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE TOWN COUNCIL.
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My Lord, and Gentlemen,
The present application imposes on me the ungra- cious task of endeavouring to convince you, of mv own fitness to fulfil the duties of that Professorship, for which I am a Candidate.
About five and twenty years ago, my mind was impressed with the idea of being at some future time able, not only to practise, but to teach thePn^tirp ojf
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Physic. Accordingly, I enrleavoured to make my- self intimately acquainted with all the different branches of the healing art ; and, besides attending the classes, my private hours were occupied in re- searches concerning all that was known, or received as knowledge, the facts, the doctrines, the opinions, the practices ancient and modern. I was created surgeon by the Royal College of Surgeons, received the diploma of midwifery, and, in 180$, was honour- ed with the degree ot doctor in medicine, from the University of this City, after having attended the professors, and the most eminent private teachers in medicine, for eight successive years. I may here notice an occurrence, which, though it may not seem of importance, was very gratifying to me, as mark- ing the esteem of my associates in philosophical and medical pursuits, — I was chosen one of the presi- dents, both of the Royal Medical, and Royal Physical Societies.
I proceed now, with your permission, to the do- cuments, by which I propose to prove, \st, That I am qualified to teach the Practice of Physic. Qd, That I have, for many years, delivered lectures on the Practice of Physic, which are commended by judges in every respect competent.
1st, With respect to qualification,— My medical la- bours have been approved by the most eminent phy- sicians and surgeons, by the most eminent teachers in Europe, in the different departments of, or con- nected with, medicine and surgery ; the professors of
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the University, and the most eminent private teach- ers of Edinburgh ; the most eminent in Glasgow, the most eminent in London, the most eminent in Paris, &c. This part contains testimonials, added one to another, for sixteen or seventeen years, unsolicited, unexpected, and originating spontaneously, in the good opinion entertained of my exertions in the cul- tivation of medical science.
Qd, With respect to having taught the Practice of Physic instructively, — Gentlemen, who had studied under the professors and private teachers of this city, and also at other celebrated schools of medi- cine, had received their diplomas, and were exercis- ing their profession, before they attended me, de- clare, that in their practice since, they find the in- formation given in my class, to be a valuable ad- dition to their previous knowledge. What more they affirm concerning my teaching, will be seen in their letters.
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Towards the end of the last century, I turned my' attention to diseases of the lungs, or, in other words, to the disorders of those organs contained in the ca- vity of the chest. I divided my inquiries into three parts, — to watch the progress of these affections, and. observe their varieties ; to watch the influence and operation of the remedies, according to the different and varying circumstances of the patient and of the disease; lastly, to reinvestigate, so far as I could, what* ever appeared to me unsatisfactory, in the opinions and practice of physicians, respecting the functions of those parts, the nature of their disorders, or the powers of the remedies recommended. At the be- ginning of the present century, I instituted a serie? of experiments concerning respiration j and formed a plan of conducting observations on the medicinal properties of Digitalis or Fox-glove.
The experiments on respiration were performed iu the rooms of Dr Barclay, at most of which, I be- lieve, the Doctor was present, and occasionally the late Dr Gordon, and others. Dr Barclay declared his approbation of them, not only to his class, but also refers to them in his valuable work on muscular motion. Dr Gordon, fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, lately lecturer on anatomy and phy- siology, &c. ftc* in an essay on " Injuries of the
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u Thorax," read in the Royal Medical Society, and inserted in their records for the Session of ] 804 — 5, gives a brief account of them, and considers them as of great utility, in elucidating his observations on that important pathological subject. Dr Hinton Spalding, fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, now an eminent physician in Jamai- ca, in an essay in the records of the same Society 1806 — 7, on the question, " Are the lungs passive " in respiration ?" narrates in detail, these experi- ments, many of which he saw performed ; and, after a brief review of the experiments of the British and French philosophers on the same subject, considers mine to be more complete, and to afford a more sa- tisfactory illustration of the question, which he had undertaken to discuss.
While watching the effects of the various reme- dies used in pulmonic, and other affections, it fre- quently obtruded itself upon me, how inaccurate all observations must be, while so little was understood of the manner in which the action of the blood ves- sels, as indicated by the pulse, is influenced by the passions, by the posture, and movements of the body, the various articles of diet, as well as by the articles of the materia medica. Accordingly, I made au immense range of experiments and observations on this question, which I brought together in the form of an essay ; and I presented it to the Royal Medical Society, 1604—5, entitled, " What are the effects
of time of day, food, posture, and exercise on the
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" pulse f" Some years afterwards, Dr Robert Knox, who did not know of my essay on this subject, un- dertook an inquiry of the same kind, the results of which he published in the Medical and Surgical Journal of Edinburgh, and the observations of this very acute and ingenious gentleman, as there pub- lished, confirm mine, in every particular.
The latter researches, however, had no more for their immediate purpose, than to enable me to judge with more precision, than I could otherwise have done, of the powers and effects of the substances administered with the view of counteracting the progress of disease ; and, accordingly, I instituted comparative observations on the diversified effects of all those articles from the different kingdoms of nature, which are most potent, and which, conse- quently, do the most good, or the most harm, just as they are properly, or improperly ordered. Of all the medicines then recommended in consumption, none were so highly extolled as the fox-glove or digitalis; some eminent physicians even maintained, that in it, they found a specific remedy against phthisis pulmonalis or consumption of the lungs. Certain peculiar properties were ascribed to it, and these agreed on by the universal consent of all authors and teachers, whether within, or without the consecrated walls of colleges. After I had proceed- ed for a considerable time, in this investigation, it surprised me, that the results of my observations, most .carefully made, were in direct opposition to all that I had heard and read. I communicated this to
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many gentlemen most ardent in their pursuit of truth; they at first thought I had committed some mistake ; but, using the precautions which I pointed out, and examining the effects themselves, they all pronounced, that my inferences were just. These gentlemen were to the number of 29 or 30; their names, with their then designations, are insert- ed in my work, pp. 192, and 193. Some of them are teachers, and many of them are now practi- tioners of high reputation in different quarters of the world. It will readily be allowed, that not a few of them were men of no ordinary talents ; the late Dr Murray, fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, lecturer on chemistry and materia me- dica, &c. Dr Gordon, and the late Mr Allan Burns, a distinguished teacher of anatomy, &c. in Glasgow, were of the party. Dr Murray, indeed, evinced, on this occasion, that candour and love of truth for which he was so much esteemed ; he had previously published on the same subject, in his much admired work on the Materia Medica; in the very next edition, how- ever, he altered his account of the fox-glove, and introduced, what I had found to be its operation, and properties. Having now satisfied myself, as to the facts, and having matured the different topics in the manner above described, I determined to submit to the world, two treatises, embracing the whole results of these various pursuits, one on Consumption of the Lungs, and the other on the medicinal properties of Digitalis. I commenced the composition of them in 1806, and they issued from the press in January
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2808. They were variously received. Those, who were devoted to the reigning notions, pronounced them to be productions of juvenile daring, unworthy of regard. Those, who thought, that truth was not confined to longevity, and with whom facts careful- ly ascertained, were of more weight than the autho- rity of opinion, judged most favourably of my publi- cation.
While these opposing verdicts were delivered, I Was gratified by letters, which, to my mind, were decisive; two of which, it happens, that I have pre- served, one from Mr John Bell of this city, and the other from Mr Astley Cooper of London.
LETTER from the late John Bell, Esq. Surgeon in
Edinburgh, &c.
January 6. 1808.
I accept, Sir, with particular pleasure, the copy of your book, and those expressions of esteem, with which you are pleased to grace this little present ; and I can, with the best grace, offer you that return, which is the most natural, and the most acceptable » for, by chance, I saw your book before it was made public, and expressed warmly to my partner, Mr Allan, those feelings of approbation and pleasure, which you, by this unexpected civility, incline me to repeat with the same warmth and sincerity.
I mind, when first I saw your book, some admira- ble descriptions of disease, and, in your preface, sen-
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timents which do you honour. Good writers in our profession are so extremely rare, that I was heartily pleased with the little I then saw ; and having turn- ed over your volume, in that hasty and impatient way, which novelty, a desire, if not to read, at least to know your work, and a multiplicity of avocations, make very natural, 1 find every thing to confirm the favourahle impressions I at first conceived.
Be assured, I wish you every kind of success ; and when I allow myself to write this in haste, and in- correctly, you will, I trust, perceive marks of that sincerity, with which I return your token of esteem. I remain your's very truly,
.Tom* Bejll.
To Dr Sanders.
LETTER from A stley Coopeb, Esq. London*
September 1810.
Dear Sir,
I feel myself greatly obliged by your valuable present, and sincerely hope, that the credit you have deservedly obtained, will stimulate you to fresh ex- ertions for the good of the community, and that you may reap the fruits of your industry and genius^ by success in teaching and practising your profession.
I am your truly obliged,
AsTLii.y Cooper.
To Dr James Sanders, James* Street, Edinburgh.
B
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The work '(both treatises being in one volume) had made its* way into France. Above 60 gentle- men of the first respectability, among whom are the most distinguished members of the medical class of the Institute, had formed themselves into a society, for the purpose of concentrating into one fo- cus, aud exhibiting a complete conspectus of medical science, composed of materials collected from every quarter of the globe. The various articles were to be critically examined by them, and what they deemed deserving, were to be inserted under their conjoint sanction, with such remarks, and such ap- probation, or disapprobation, as they thought ap- propriate.
In this association are found the names of men of the highest estimation, as professors, teachers, au- thors, and practitioners. Boyer, Chaussier, Cuvier, Dubois, Esquirols, Laennec, Larrey,Pinel, Richerand; &c. Their dictionary, so far as it has proceeded, is allowed to be the best repository of medical know- ledge that ever existed. My little book came into the hands of these gentlemen, — was translated into Trench, — and published at Paris, and Antwerp in 3812.
They adopted the only method, in which all ques- tions depending on experiment and observation, can be satisfactorily solved, that is, by examining the facts. Under the article Digitalis, they detail the opinions which were every where taught, received, and acted upon, in regard to the medicinal effects of this plant; and then give the decided preference to
what is contained in my essay. I here add the pa- ragraphs, preserving the meaning entire, and even the expressions, as closely as the idioms of the two lan- guages permitted me to do, in translation.
Dictionnaire des Sciences Medicales} par une So* cicte de Mteecins, et de Chirurgiens. Paris, 1814. Digitate, p. 457. After stating the universally adopted opinion with regard to the operation of di- gitalis, and noticing, that some anomalies had been remarked, the essayist thus proceeds : " But these " observations, more or less curious, are given by " their authors, only as exceptions to the general " rule ; but it is not so, with the experiments made " by Dr Sanders on himself, on several of his friends, ct and on a great number of persons labouring under u disease ; all tend to prove, that the primary action " of digitalis, is to accelerate the arterial pulsations. " Though this doctrine is in direct opposition to the " hypothesis generally received, it nevertheless bears " all the characters, I would almost say, of certain- " ty. The reasonings of Dr Sanders rest upon two "thousand experiments, and agree perfectly with " the observations of several respectable practition* " ers ; they are detailed by the author with that " simplicity which wears the stamp of truth, and " will carry conviction, I hope, to every unpreju- " diced mind." Next, having quoted, from thejtrans- lation, my account of the effects of this medicine, he continues : " Such was nearly the idea which I my- self had formed of the action of digitalis, but as ' this opinion was suggested only by a few obser-
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H vations, and was repugnant to the general opinion, " I had still some doubts ; Sanders has t ntirely dis- ic sipated them. I do not hesitate now, to claim for *' digitalis, a place among stimulants of the first or- *« der."
** If," says he, " Sanders has incontestibly the tc merit of having seized and developed the real in- " fluence, which digitalis exerts upon our organss yet " he is not the only one, that has recognized the " eminently tonic, or rather, exciting property of " this vegetable* Dr Bettoli has published an ex- " cellent memoir, in which he most triumphantly " refutes the paradoxical assertions of Tommasini, " Simonini, and others of that sect, (rasorienne) who " arrange digitalis in their so anomalous, and mon- " strous class of counter-stimulants. ,4'
P. 465. Where the different treatises are arranged according to the dates of their publication, mine is inserted as follows : —
Sanders, (James) An inquiry concerning digitalis or fox-glove, &c. 8vo. Edinburgh, 1803. Trans- lated into French bv A. F. G. Murat. 8vo. Paris and Antwerp, 1812 j and, it is added, " I have al- " ready signalized the merit of this production, con- " spicuous for the genius of observation. M. Mural u has not confined himself to the task of translation • <c he has enriched the original with interesting re- " flections on the materia medica, that render very " desirable the publication of the work, of which " these are onlv the outlines*"
IS
This is a document much more a ^reeable to an author, and of much more weight, in every respect, than any other kind of approbation. The most dis- tinguished professional men of a foreign nation, judging deliberately, and, from the very nature of cir- cumstances, disinterestedly, of ones labours, and, after accurate examination, proclaiming that judg- ment to the world, furnishes a decision that cannot be questioned, from which, indeed, there is no ap- peal.
Since that time, the subject has undergone com- plete revision, both in the united kingdoms, and in America. That most accurate observer, Dr Halla- ran of Dublin, and every other author, has added to the confirmation of what I, under so many disadvan- tages, ventured first to promulgate. Nor is it easy to calculate, how many lives must have been saved, by the diseases having been ascertained, and the condi- tions in which this most powerful substance can be used, so as to procure its highly benelicial effects, and by the limits having been fixed, within which it can be, with perfect safety, administered.
As for my treatise on Pulmonary Consumption, what influence it has had, I do not pretend to esti- mate ; but this I aver, that every subsequent work, that I have read, has added proof to my statements, and sanction to my practical admonitions. Let any man compare the doctrines, and the treatment in those complaints, which prevailed previously to 1S0S, with those that now prevail, and he will perceive that an immense change has been somehow effected.
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The principles of treatment above referred to, rested on anatomical facts ; therefore it was, that the approba- tion of those profound anatomists, Cooper and Bell, gave me such pleasure; but what was my delight, when I found my practice itself in consumption, approved by at once the greatest physician, anatomist, and sur- geon, that Scotland ever could boast of? From the commencement of my professional life, I was in the babit of meeting with my venerable preceptor, the late Dr Monro, senior. I need not say, what is the truth, that he never disapproved of what I had either done, or was doing. I shall produce an instance in point. In 1812, I attended a young gentleman la- bouring under pulmonary consumption in its. con- firmed stage ; though I could not save, I endeavour- ed to protract life. I informed the relations, what the disease was, and that the case was hopeless ; they wished a consultation ; Dr Monro, senior, was called; he declared, that no better treatment could be pursued ; in short, that no change could be made. It was requested that our conjoint opinion should be sent to the father of the patient; and out of respect I preserved a correspondence w hich then occurred, and which will establish what I have on this occa- gjon asserted.
To Dr Sanders.
Dear Sir,
As you have been long very particularly acquaint- ed with Mr and that \vc agree in our
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opinion, and management of his case, I think it will be best, that you draw out our joint opinion and ad- vice, which ■ will transmit to his father.
As soon as you can get these ready, I shall meet with you to sign them.
I am, Dear Sir, your's, &c.
A. Monro, senior,
Edinburgh, Thursday Evening, May 21. 1812.
Of course, I drew out the joint opinion required, sent it to my worthy superior, who returned it unal- tered, subscribed, and inclosed.
To Dr Sanders.
Dr Monro, senior, returns his compliments with the inclosed, and is sorry to say, that he does not see room for making addition to it.
May 22. 1812.
Can the world produce three men superior in me- dicine and surgery, to Dr Monro, senior, Mr Astley Cooper, and Mr John Bell?
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1809. — Eruptive diseases became prevalent in the united kingdoms, and continued epidemic for nearlv three years. During this period, the accounts of the failure of vaccination, were reiterated from every quarter ; the alleged instances were so numerous and so well authenticated, that I began to entertain doubts of the security afforded by the Jennerian dis- covery. It appeared to me, the imperious duty of every one practising the healing art, to satisfy him- self at least, whether, in those entrusted to his care, he ought, or ought not, to have implicit confidence in the new inoculation. I devoted every hour, that I could, for above two years, to the searching out, watching, and comparing the various forms of the real, and spurious small-pox. The facts, which I had collected, and the observations, which I had made, together with a critical analysis of the various forms lof the real small-pox, as well as of the multifarious eruptions which mpre or less resembled the real small-pox, &c. occupied me many months in prepa- ration for the press. My intention was, that it should not be a desultory essay, containing gratui* tous conjectures and inconclusive statements, but a concentration of all that was known, or that scrupu- lous attention enabled me to add, relative to the dis- eases under consideration, and affording data deci- sive of the sufficiency or insufficiency of vaccination.
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I was anxious to have one opinion on which I could rely. I sent the work to Dr Monro, senior, who assured me that it appeared to him to be writ- ten " with judgment and accuracy."
To Dr Sanders.
Edinburgh, December SI. 18121. Dr Monro, senior, presents his respectful compli- ments to Dr Sanders ; is much obliged to him for the present of his valuable book on the small pox, cow pox, and chicken pox, of which he appears to have treated with judgment and accuracy ; and for the honour he has done him, of inscribing it to him.
I required no more; in January 1813, forth went the volume, and it met every where, with friendly greetings. I have omitted no opportunity since, of comparing with nature, the conceptions to which I there gave expression* Many tracts on varioloid af- fections, have recently shown themselves, but in nons of them can you find, either one adverse fact, or one new idea.
C
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My anatomical illustrations of the nature and treat- ment of the most interesting, and difficult diseases, as well as those of the actions of the nervous, and vascular systems, so far as made known, have met with a much more favourable reception, and have derived, and are deriving from the most re- spectable sources, more full, and more extensive cor- roboration, than my fondest hopes ever anticipated. It was, however, hailed by me as most auspicious, in the first place, that they were honoured by the public and unequivocal approbation of the Profes- sors of the University of this city. The gentlemen who attended my lectures, naturally selected such parts as seemed to them suited to the subjects which they had chosen for their inaugural dissertations. This may require explanation, Every gentleman who intends to be a candidate for the degree of doctor in medicine, must announce his intention to the Dean of the medical faculty, and, on or before a certain day, give in an essay written in the Latin language, on some medical, or philosophical subject connected with medicine, as a proof of his proficiency in medical science, and polite literature. These ma- nuscripts are distributed among the members of the faculty. Each essay is read by a professor, who sends for the author, and makes him correct, alter, ex- punge, every objectionable word, sentence, state-
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ment, opinion, doctrine; or, if the thesis is thought altogether inadmissible, the candidate is either per- mitted to write another specimen, or is remitted to his studies. To every approved thesis, however, the professor adds his perlegi ; that is, I have read and approved, and the same is testified by his signature. After all these writings have been thus examined, and accepted, a certain time elapses for the conferences of the professors, and at last, the candidates are ordered to print, under the authority of the principal, with the consent of the Senatus Academicus, and bv the decree of the faculty of medicine. Now, ir.y inquiries and views, or doctrines; if you please, have undergone this ordeal. The authors of these papers bring forward with the highest encomiums, what they have learned from me, and with me, relatively to the respective subjects of which they treat; and these vouchers are read and approved by every pro- fessor, and published with all the official formali- ties.
In 1815, Dr Armstrong of Santa Cruz, in his the- sis De Tetano, commonly called Locked-jaw, p. 20, expresses himself as follows : — " The diseases refer- H red to the nervous system, hare long eluded hu- " man ingenuity, and the more so, that they seldom " injure the structure of the parts attacked. Doctor " Sanders of this city, however, having examined by " dissection, the bodies of those, who had died of " tetanus, has illustrated many things (connected ** with this disease) that were formerlv involved in
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"darkness; omitting therefore, what Morgagni, " Valsalva, and others have written, I shall confine " myself to the relation of those facts which I have " learned from that gentleman," which he proceeds to do in my own words, p. 21.
1815. — Dr John Baptist Philip of Trinidad, — De Affectibus Hysterias, — Hysterical Affections, — af- ter quoting the opinions of the most celebrated physicians of the present age, as well as of former times, shews, that they give no tenable, or even ra- tional explanation of such affections ; and then pro- ceeds, p. 27, — <f Has anatomy thrown any light up- ^c on the manner in which such irritations occur ? <£ to answer this question, I must have recourse to
the very useful labours of Doctor Sanders and here he refers to my lectures on the Practice of Physic. Next, he gives in detail, the appearances observed in the brain, spiual marrow, nerves, &c. with the explanation, which these obviously suggest , and, in concluding, says, " that what he has stated, " is supported by the most ample demonstration of il facts, as he himself was an eye-witness,."
1816. — Dr Richard Moulson, Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of London, — Thesis De Chorea, — St Vitus's Dance," — after an elaborate and impar- tial analysis of the views of the ancients, and mo- derns, says, p. 33, in a note, " Dr Sanders of Edin- u burgh lirst directed my attention to this mode of " considering spasms, as also, to the plan of treat-
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ment, which I have here adopted ; but I did not' M place implicit confidence, either in the details givea' " in his lectures, nor in his reasoning, concerning' " the phenomena. I explored human bodies, and that " I might not confound effects with causes, I insti- " tuted experiments on inferior animals; and, in all n these ways, I found his statements confirmed."
1816.— The Rev. Hugh Macfarlane, M. D. — Dc D'iabete Mellito. — This is an obstinate and most per- nicious malady, in which the whole fabric gradually wastes away, accompanied with an enormous dis- charge of urine; and that urine is very sweet, and yields a substance not differing in its qualities from sugar. This disease, during the last 30 years, has occupied the attention of the most ardent cultivators of our profession. Dr Macfarlane gives a concise narration of what they have thought, and done, on this subject ; and, having given a summary of the anatomical differences between affections, convulsive and paralytic, and of their appropriate treatment, he shews, that this disease, diabetes, depends on a cer i tain condition of the nerves of the kidneys, as he had seen demonstrated by me.
After the publication of this thesis, it was object- ed, that no such nerves could be traced to the kid- neys ; but Mr Liston and Mr M'Kenzie, who as- sisted me, in these very instances, have set this con- troversy at rest; the one has made for his own, and the other for the museum of Dr Monro, preparations, in which the questioned nerves can be seen at any
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time. We should have few contentions truly, about anatomical facts, if we had more anatomists such as they. Dr Macfarlane addresses this dissertation to me in these terms : " I consecrate this little work '? to you, because the facts and reasonings, which it " contains, I saw, and heard, in your demonstrations " and lectures."
A copy of this thesis was transmitted to Mr Aber- nethy of London, who had been investigating with great success, the laws of animal life ; and it will be seen by a letter from him, that the reasonings coincided with his observations.
Bedford Row, l&th December 1816.
Dear Sfh,
I feel flattered and obliged by your sending me the thesis, which I have read with much interest. I have no doubt, but that, when organs are disturbed in their functions, it is the life of the part, which is affected; which affection is itself produced by dis- order in the nerves, from which the part derives its vital energies; or which affection may, in other in- stances, induce a disordered state even in the nervous trunks. I have endeavoured to explain my meaning, with respect, to these points, in the third lecture at the College. * * * * I shall pay attention to the .same kind of fact",, as those which you have repeat- edly observed.
I remain dear Sir,
your obliged, $cc. John Abern~etht.
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IS 1 8. — Dr Robert Wight, — De Febrium Nat lira Scalpelo Qucesita, — An Anatomical Inquiry into the Nature of Fevers. — In this dissertation, Dr Wight gives a concise account, of my anatomical researches, and reasonings concerning fevers. This I consider at once the most difficult, and most important of all my undertakings, and, in its consequences, the most gratifying.
Dr Wight, zealous, intelligent, and indefatigable, watched the progress of diseases, and examined ca- davera for his own satisfaction. He says, accord- ingly, u Dr Sanders gives the views, and demon- " strates the facts, which I have brought forward in U this dissertation; and it was during my attendance " on his lectures, that the subject first drew my u attention. But I did not rest satisfied, till I had, u. by careful observations, and dissections, made by " myself, found them confirmed in every particular/' p. 15.
Dr Archibald Robertson, R. N. treating of a re- markable species of congestive fever, observed by him in the W'est Indies, says, " I am very sorry that, " at the time, when these cases occurred, I was un- " acquainted with the interesting researches of Dr u Sanders of Edinburgh, into the state of the spinal 11 marrow, and theca vertebralis, in general fever ; " and, with the views which he so ably expounds. u I now regret, in vain, the opportunities that then " escaped me, of investigating this important patho* " logical point "—Medico-Chirurgical Journal of Lon- don, vol. 4, July 1818,/?. 76\
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Br James Johnston of London, himself a writer of the first rank, and whom nothing escapes, that is in the least connected with the advancement of me- dical science, thought this treatise so important, that he inserted a most accurate translation of it, in his invaluable journal, January 1819, p. 311, et seqq.% and, in his remarks upon it, he speaks of the inquiry, and of the truths, which it has disclosed, in terms of the highest approbation,
1815. — Dr Thomas Seeds, ^>De Sanguine Misso, — This is an experimental inquiry to ascertain the effects, in the animal economy, of the loss of blood from arteries, as compared with that of blood from veins, in different parts of the body. The results were, what no one could have anticipated, and of great practical importance. The experiments were performed by myself, assisted by Dr Seeds and others, in the rooms of Dr Barclay, Dr Moulson has repeated them, and derived from them such information, as was of great use to him, in the treat- ment of the very worst cases of typhus. — Medico-Chi* rarg. Journal, February 1818, p. 107.
1819. — Dr Isaac Pidduck of Kent, — De StnnHCt Nat ura et Curat ione, on the Nature and Treatment of Scrofula, — details several cases illustrating my treatment of those affections, and which he considers as the most efficacious method that he had ever seen employed the principal medicine was the solution of the murint of lime, p. 12, et seqq.
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About 17 years ago, I had begun some observa- tions on the medicinal properties of the muriat of lime, which I related in my Essay on Digitalis, pub- lished in 1808. I ascertained the proper process for procuring it pure, which has been long followed by the best apothecaries of this city. There are states of constitution corrected, and diseases removed by this substance, which defy all other known remedies. Its salutary effects, which I have many years proved and taug-ht, are now amply confirmed by the most experienced practitioners.
1820. — Dr William Forrester Bow, — De Rubeola, * — Measles. — Which dissertation is addressed to me, as follows: " It gives me much pleasure to dedicate " these pages to you, my friend and most skilful " instructor. When I attended your lectures, I was (t attracted chiefly by their ingenuity; but, now that 44 I have found your precepts confirmed by expe- " rience, I adopt them, and recommend them, not " for their ingenuity only, but for their very great " utility." This gentleman had attended my class many years before, had been in the medical depart- ment of our army in different parts of Europe, and attended me again in 1819 ; and surely it was most acceptable for me, to receive this voluntary declara- tion, that the instructions which he received from me, had, in particular, been confirmed by his own ex- perience.
Dr Wight, Dr Pidduck, and Dr Bow, have given my views of those diatheses, or peculiar states of
D
constitution, which more or less modify the opera > tion of all the causes of disease, and which are never to be overlooked, in the management of any disorder of whatever denomination.
Here is, then, a number of essays on different sub- jects, containing a great portion of my lectures, ap- proved and published, under the aegis of Dr Monro, Dr Gregory, Dr Duncan, Dr Home, Dr Rutherford, Dr Hope, &c.
These essays, published by professorial mandate, shew, that my inquiries have not, as some seem to suppose, been confined to the spine, but have em- braced the brain, the spinal marrow, the nerves, the whole nervous, as connected with the vascu- lar system ; nor will it be disputed, that I was the first, that ever pointed out, the varying conditions and appearances of the vessels distributed on the nervous system, corresponding with the varying phe- nomena of health and disease. It is on this founda- tion alone, that my labours have had any influence, in illustrating the nature and origin of diseases, and M giving precision and consistency to their treatment. ISIor is it the nervous system particularly, but the vascular also, nor both in particular, but, as the do- cuments prove, it is every part separate or combin- ed, in its sound or unsound state, of the whole hu- man organization, that has occupied my attention. My demonstrations, however, of the co. relative pre- dicaments of the vessels and nerves, in every form of convulsive and paralytic affection, as they threw a Tight at once forcible and instructive on maladies.
27
the least governable by art, and supposed to be the least understood, did not fail, as soon as they were divulged, to attract attention. These things, with which I had occupied my time in private, were first spread abroad in conversation, and through the me?, dium of journals, and theses by the gentlemen who were present during my dissections, and heard my lectures. Soon inquiries of the same kind commen- ced, or were heard of, in different countries; and, with uncommon rapidity, augmenting corroboration poured in, first in the Medical and Physical Journal of London, from Mr James, surgeon ; next from Others, in other journals.
In 1817, occurred an interesting case of hydro- phobia, which proved fatal. It was resolved to sea whether the nerves were, as I had asserted. Present at the examination were Dr James Johnson, sur- geon to the Duke of Clarence, Dr Hennen, deputy inspector of hospitals, Dr Seeds, formerly one of my pupils, Mr Webster, Mr Bradley, and Mr Stewart, R. N. In the Medico-Chirurgical Journal and Re- view of London for October of the same year, the case and dissection are accurately related ; my state, ments were, so far as one instance could, completely verified. Dr Johnson says, that " this case let in a H flood of light on spasmodic and nervous diseases ? but certainly no new light, as the same facts had been taught and published here, for several years. Dr John- son wrote me, wishing to be informed, ho\y far the re- sults in this case of hydrophobia, corresponded with those, in enscs of a spasmodic nature, which I had
28
examined, and my answer appeared in his journal for January 1818, which is the first notice, that I ever took publicly, of what I had done respecting the nervous system. I was, and am anxious to avoid details, till 1 shall have brought these investigations nearer maturity. In 1817, was inserted in the Bul- letin of the Faculty of Medicine of Paris, an extract of a memoir of Dr Esquirols on Epilepsy, which is reviewed in the Medico-Chirurgical Journal and Re- view for May 1818. The article is thus introduced, p. 420
" Convulsive diseases. — The interesting researches " of Dr Sanders, upon the pathology of this class of " diseases, have been more than once noticed by us, " in a tone of earnestness and of eulogy, which they <e are well calculated to call forth, from men zeal- " ously devoted to the interests of their science. " And scarcely a day passes by, in which we do not *£ glean, either from observation or reading, some " fresh evidence, collateral or direct, favourable to " the correctness of the new doctrines, and to the revolution in medical opinions and practice, which " they are destined, ere long, to accomplish. Truth " must ultimately triumph over all the obstacles " which impede her progress ; and there never, per- " haps, was a period in the history of human affairs, " when the mind evinced so strong a tendency to w revolt against the dominion of prejudice, and " raise itself from the despotism of long received au- " thority, as the present. We ourselves were at *' fust startled by the boldness and novelty of Dr
29
" Sanders's views and assertions, and received them. " with a suspicion, and criticised them with a seve-» " rity, which nothing but a painful experience of " the general emptiness of medical theories, could " have inspired or justified.
" This erroneous judgment, we have long since u endeavoured to expiate; and, notwithstanding the " obloquy and ridicule, which some learned gentle- " men have affected, and still affect, to cast upon <e the new-fangled doctrines of the spinal school, we <c confidently predict, that those doctrines will ulti- " mately acquire a general prevalence and establish- " ment; and that, by the medical historian of future " times, the name of their author will be registered " on the same page, with those of the distinguished " men, whose genius and labours have most contri- " buted to the improvement and dignity of the <e science.
" With these prefatory remarks, we shall intro- " duce to the notice of our readers, an extract from " a memoir on epilepsy by Dr Esquirols, very near- " ly bearing upon, if not directly illustrating, the " doctrines in question. We have no doubt, but •* that, in the event of its attracting the notice of " Dr Sanders, it will be perused by him, and all *' who correctly estimate the originality and impor- " tance of his researches, with peculiar interest." Extrait dhm memoirs du Docteur Esquirols sur V Epi- leptic, Sgc* Bulletin da la Facultc at Medicine de Paris, 1817. No. vi.
30
Dr Spurzheim, physician to the Austrian Em- bassy, &c. on Insanity, p, 29. London, 1817. " The morbid affections of the nervous cord of the " spine, are far more frequent than it is common- " ly believed. It is too seldom examined after 44 death. The dissection of the vertebral canal is. 44 too difficult, and discourages the anatomists. If 4< there be no external morbid appearance of the 44 vertebrae, physicians do not think of dissecting this 44 important part. Dr Sanders of Edinburgh, how- 44 ever, is to be excepted from this reproach. In him 44 1 have witnessed the greatest ardour to investigate 44 the morbid affections of the spinal cord. There 46 is no trouble which prevents him from opening " this part of the body. His labour has already been 44 rewarded by new observations of morbid appear- 44 ances, especially by pointing out the congestion " of the blood-vessels after convulsions ; and his 44 continued investigations may throw still much 66 more light on this hitherto neglected object."
Dr Robert Reid, Licencjate of the King's and Queen's College of physicians in Dublin, had turn- ed his attention in part, to the same subject. In the transactions of the College of Physicians, vol. 1. Dr Reid published a part of his observations, and afterwards in 1 SI 7 a work on Tetanus, with a plate of the spinal marrow, as seen in that disease. The anatomical facts related by this gentleman, so far as lie proceeds, also confirm, what I had long before demonstrated. That this is not my solitary notion, I prove by quoting what the reviewers say, on this
31
point. "The appearances observed by Dr Reid, u correspond with those of Dr Sanders of Edin- " burgh, and some others, who are now investigat- " ing the pathology of the spinal canal ; they are u therefore entitled to great attention." — Medico- Chirurgkal Journal, p. 354, January 1819. And in a review of the same work in the Medical and Sur- gical Journal of Edinburgh for April 1819, surprise is cn pressed that Dr Reid, who studied here, did not notice the observations of Dr Sanders, who had been lecturing since 1808. Dr Hennen, who wrote the article, is deeply impressed with the paramount importance of exploring, as we have done, the bodies of those who have been the victims of such frightful disorders, p. 282 : " From no inconsiderable experi- " ence," says he, " we are assured, that it is in the dis- " secting room principally, we can arrive at any " just pathological views on the subject. Specula* " tions are endless ; the disease affords food for " them, even to satiety ; and to how little purpose ** they have hitherto been pursued, must be quite *' apparent to any cool and reflecting man, who *' opens any one of the countless treatises which " have been written upon nervous diseases, from the ct time of Hippocrates to the present day." But it is of no consideration with me, whether my labours have been, or shall be mentioned, or not, provided they be confirmed by the experience of others. I might, long ago, have published a connected scries of pathological inquiries, had I not preferred the •correction of time, to temporary advantages. Iam
S2
happy, indeed, that I have done nothing premature- ly; the facts have made their way, are undergoing thorough scrutiny, and acquiring strength by inves- tigations, which, though carried on separately, have unity of result. Since the truths thus unveiled, have become irresistible, the records of medicine have been searched, from the times of ancient Greece to the present day, and in them, nothing has been dis- covered, but isolated observations, and random con- jectures, that seem to have left no traces in the minds either of those who made, or those who read them. The spine, in relation to diseases in general, was never demonstrated; medical authors never mentioned it; in every class, public and private, it was overlooked, till those gentlemen who assisted me in my pursuits, and heard my prelections, gra- dually forced it into notice ; and now it is every- where brought forward ; it is now more or less demonstrated or referred to, in all colleges and schools where the object is, to communicate medical know- ledge.
In the Medical and Surgical Journal for November 1818, Dr James Thomson, an intelligent physician in Jamaica, and who attended my lectures seven or eight years ago, details several cases of fatal spas- modic disease, in which the appearances in the 3iervous system, were precisely the same as he saw in dissections here, along with me; and he insists on the importance, in directing the treatment of such affections, of being thus led precisely to the seat of the evil.
As a part of my general plan, I have endeavoured (o investigate, anatomically, the development of the child during utero-gestation ; in consequence of which I ascertained, several years ago, that the re- ceived description of the sensible properties, changes, formation, and development of the foetal brain, was entirely inconsistent with nature, even as given by those accurate dissectors, Drs Gall and Spurzheim ; and ever since, I have, during each course of lectures, demonstrated the foetal encephalon, and pointed out those mistakes.
The description of the foetal brain as given by me, from these dissections, is contained in the records of the Royal Medical Society, for the session of 1820- 21, in an ingenious essay written by Mr John Mac- Farlane, surgeon, on the question, " Are there any " grounds for maintaining the distinction of mental V faculties, as established by Gall and Spurzheim ?"
These very observations on the foatal brain are confirmed by Frederick Tiedemann, professor of ana- tomy and zoology in the University of Landshut, in a work entitled, " the Anatomy and History of " the Formation of the Brain, in the human Foetus," and of which I have seen an analysis in the London Medjcal Repository for April 1821, p. 310, et seqq. When I say, that my labours have been confirmed, I do not mean, that he who has done so, knew any thing of my operations, more than I did of his. Two individuals having no knowledge of, or communica- tion with each other, making inquiries on the same subject, and coming to the same conclusion, afford
E
u
stronger evidence of the truth, than if they had act- ed in concert.
It would require more time than I have to collect, and more patience, than I could presume you had to read, were the numerous instances detailed, that have been daily occurring for several years, all com- bining to confirm the same thing, viz. those condi- tions of the nerves which I demonstrated in relation to diseases respectively; and be it observed, not in relation only to maladies commonly called nervous, but to every disorder of function, and change of structure, to which the human body is liable. It would be equall}'- tedious, to enumerate and read the daily published proofs of the utility of the mode of cure founded on these anatomical facts ; in short, that mode of treatment is now pretty generally followed
But to return to the opinion received from thos'e of rank in medicine. I shall produce other dis- tinguished gentlemen. Dr Monro having heard of my anatomical inquiries concerning croup, and of the treatment to which they gave origin, applied to me, for an account of them. At this very time, I was called to a child dying of that horrid calamity. It was too late ; I prescribed nothing. I wrote the Doctor of it, being solicitous that he should see what I meant. In a. few hours death ensued ; per- mission was obtained to examine; Dr Monro and other medical gentlemen attended; I told what ap- pearances I expected; on disclosing the interior, these were in every minute circumstance confirmed ; the Professor expressed himself perfectly satisfied ;
S5
I sent my account of croup and its treatment ; and he returned ^e the following polite acknowledge- inent ~
Thursday, George Street.
My Dear Dr.
I am very much obliged by your attention in send- ing me your valuable observations on croup.
Yours truly,
Aj.exr. Monro.
The appearances in the body of a patient, that died of tetanus in the Royal Infirmary, corres- ponded entirely, with what I have so long taught,. Dr Duncan, junior, mentioned this coincidence in his Clinical Lecture. On hearing of this, I sent him a summary, but precise statement of the facts con- nected with such cases. I had from him also the following handsome return :— *
9th May 1820.
Dr Duncan, junior, has much satisfaction in ac= knowledging the receipt of the obliging communica- tion put this day into his hands from Dr Sanders..
Till now, Dr D.'s knowledge of Dr Sanders's ob- servations was derived entirely from the report of Dr Sanders's pupils ; and Dr D. therefore, felt a de- licacy in alluding to them, lest he might have either misunderstood, or misrepresented themf
Dr Duncan will take advantage of Dr S. s per- mission to communicate his letter to the readers of the Edinburgh Medical Journal.
36
My letter accordingly appeared in the Medical and Surgical Journal, which Dr Duncan has many years conducted with so much honour to himself, and service to medicine.
To the same purport, that justly admired physio- logist and surgeon, Who has so eminently improved medical science, John Abernethy, Esquire, of Lon- don, in a letter to me from Bedford Row of 29th ult. says, " I think your investigations into the " state of the medulla spinalis in diseases, are likely " to improve medical science, and indicate a mind " fitted to fill a professor's chair."
Dr JefTray, professor of anatomy, &c. 8cc. in the University of Glasgow, addressing me, says, " I u have been both gratified and informed by those " of your writings I have seen." This, to myself, at least, is the highest commendation. Dr JefTray, whose talents and knowledge, I may say, created the anatomical chair, and propped the medical school of Glasgow, till it received accession from certain recent appointments, among which is that of Dr Thomas Thomson, whose very name is identified with genius, literature, profound research, and ac- curate science.
37
In the preceding narrative, we have evidence of the highest authority, from published works, from private records, and from letters, to which it seems not im- proper to add a few letters of equal weight, and of such a tenor, as to strengthen, if requisite, the whole testimony, and with them complete that part which contains the documents bearing upon the first essential point , viz. Qualification.
With due deference, let me call attention to this cir- cumstance, that all my testimonials are, of what I have done, and not, of what I am supposed fit to do. I am not supposed qualified, because I have been diligent in the acquisition, but, because I have given proof of knowledge acquired ; and if I be declared fit to teach, it will not be, because I possess the necessary informa- tion, but, because I have communicated that informa- tion ; or, in other words, because I have taught the Practice of Physic. These, you will admit, are consi- derations materially affecting such a question as the present ; for, between presumed capability and actual performance, you find all the difference that there is between opinion and reality, expectation and certainty.
For obvious reasons, the letters are arranged accor- ding to their dates.
35
From Dr Maxwell, Principal Physician to the Infir- mary and Lunatic Asylum, Dumfries, &c. &c.
Dumfries, 6th April 1821.
My Dear Sir,
It gives me much pleasure to learn that you have de« clared yourself Candidate for the vacant Chair. For the sake of the University, as well as your own interest, I sincerely wish you success ; in truth, I do not know any person better qualified to fill it. Your accurate anatomical knowledge gives you facility in determining the influence of the nervous system, of which I have always lamented the neglect in our alma mater ; for, without this, we cannot apply the words of a great poet and sound philosopher, " Rerum ipsarum vera u cognitio ex rebus ipsis est" 8$c.
I remain, My Dear Sir, Yours, &c.
Wm. Maxwell.
From Dr Monro, Professor of Anatomy and Medi« cine in the University of Edinburgh, &c. &c.
George* s Street, Friday.
Dear Sir,
I have laid your letter of Wednesday before rae? and shall reply to your queries in order.
39
As to the first of these, I recollect perfectly, that my father attended several patients along with you ; and I have heard him speak highly of your zeal in your pro- fession.
As to the second question, I can bear testimony as to your attendance on my lectures on morbid anatomy with great diligence ; and also as to your talents and skill as an anatomist, and unwearied application to the exa- mination of morbid bodies ; and also, that you have been, for some time, engaged in making researches as to the nervous system, and in tracing the influence of a deranged state of that system, in various disorders.
Lastly, in the cases I have attended along with you, your treatment of the patients, and conduct, have in every respect^ met with my approbation. I remain, ever,
Your obedient servant,
Alex. Monro.
From Dr Barclay, Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, Lecturer on Anatomy, &c. &c.
Edinburgh April 16. 1821. I certify that Dr James Sanders, who was a pupil of mine for several sessions, was not only a regular attendant on the lectures, but a most intelligent and industrious dissector, prosecuting his studies on anatomy, not only during the winter, but the summer also, performing
40
with unwearied perseverance various experiments, to illustrate the circulation of animals, their respiration, and their nervous system. Of most of these experiments I was an eye-witness ; and from what I have seen and heard since, am fully convinced, that his ardour has not cooled, nor his diligence relaxed, in the prosecution of tihese professional studies.
John Barclay, M. U.
From Dr Thomson, Professor of Chemistry in the University of Glasgow, &c. &c.
Glasgow, 19 th April 1821.
Dear Sir,
Having been so little in Edinburgh since you began your course of lectures on the Practice of Medicine, it has not been in my power to profit by the information, which, I have no doubt, you communicated to your students. But from my knowledge of your excellent abilities, of your assiduky, when a student, of the zeal with which you have prosecuted every branch of know- ledge connected with your profession, I cannot avoid being convinced, that after an interval of twelve years, you must have collected a vast quantity of most im- portant medical information. It gives me pleasure to hear, that you are a Candidate for the Chair of the Practice of Medicine, vacant by the death of my old and respected teacher Dr Gregory j and I am of opi- nion, that both the College of Edinburgh, and the me-
4i
Uical world, in general, will have reason to congratu* late themselves, if you be successful in your pursuit,
I am, Dear Sir,
Yours faithfully,
Thomas Thomson.
From Dr Sir Andrew Halliday, Baronet, Physician, to His Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence, &c. &c.
St James's Palace, London, 19th April 182!.
Dear Doctor,
If my humble opinion can be of any avail in assisting you in your canvass, I have great satisfaction in saying, that, during the last seventeen years, which I have known you, I have had many opportunities of admiring your singular talents, great industry, and superior attainments in our profession. I know, that you have met with much opposition (I had almost said persecution) from some of our brethren in Edinburgh. From what I know of your talents and acquirements, I am perfectly satisfied, that you would make an excellent Professor ; and I heartily wish you success.
I am. My dear Sir, very truly yours,
Andrey^ Hallipav*
42
We are come to that part which contains the do- cuments relative to the second essential requisite, viz. Teaching.
Knowledge, however select and extensive it may be, is of no avail to society, if not communicated. The faculty of imparting instruction is differently exercised by different individuals. Many an author, who is the ornament of his age, were it not for his pen, would have remained in the world, an unprofit- able, silent, perhaps languid spectator. Such a one, it is obvious, could not fulfil the duties of a public class. In fine, Qualification for such an office, must be accompanied with The Faculty of Teaching.
To have taught efficiently, indeed, proves the qua= lification, since no teacher can convey that informa- tion, which he does not possess, even at command.
Permit me to suggest also, that general attain- ments in literature and science, though they are ne- cessary to the profound in medicine, cannot make a physician, any more than they can make a mu- sician. To be either, a man must be ever hand- ling and examining the instruments, he must be tho- roughly acquainted with their tones and aptitudes. .Could the most extensive reading and general knowledge give a man the skill requisite for correct- ing the movements of your watch ? Does the chief work of divinity, then, the wonderful and intricate fabric of the human body, require a less minute and
43
accurate acquaintance with all its parts and motions? Certainly not. To be accomplished in the medical art, extensive learning, and the principles of general science, must conspire to one end, the understanding of the laws of life : a feeling of accurate knowledge of the structure, the very figure of the mechanism, must be ever present ; and the positions, and motions, and functions, and their possible aberrations, conjointly and severally, must be identified with every thought, and constitute, as it were, an integral portion of the very mental existence of the Physician, to enable him to exercise his profession usefully to mankind, and much more so, to enable him both to practise, and teach the Practice of Physic.
This conviction it -was, that induced me to com- mence, and supplied me with energy to persevere in the inquiries, which I have so long conducted, in regard to the animal economy ; my original design having been, as 1 have already stated, to be ulti- mately qualified, both to practise, and to teach the Practice of Physic.
Whether I have acquired that information, which should qualify for the important situation, at which I aim, you may judge from all the testimonials, and whether I have the faculty of communicating that information effectually, you may judge from the fol- lowing letters, written by gentlemen of matured practical experience, who have formed their opinion, not from my lectures alone, but from mine, in com- parison with those of the most eminent established teachers.
44
From Dr Moulson, Physician to the Halifax Gene- ral Dispensary, and Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of London, &c. &c.
Halifax^ Yorkshire, Mi Dear Sir, gtk April 1821.
The receipt of your letter brought to me the ac- count of Dr Gregory's decease, which, though it might be expected, at his time of life, 1 consider as one of the most serious losses that the College of Edinburgh has sustained for many years. The re- putation of the school of Medicine in Edinburgh, has been, of late years, entirely upheld by Dr Gregory; and it now will be proved, whether his successor be able to uphold the high character which Edinburgh, for so long a period, and so deservedly, has maintain- ed, as a school of medicine. I have the honour, and pride myself with the honour, of being a graduate of the University of Edinburgh. I reverence my preceptor, but more my alma mater* I always have, and ever will, sacrifice private worth for public good. I understand you mean to offer yourself as a CandU date for the Professor's Chair, vacant by Dr Gre* gory's death; — would to God you might get it; I say so, from a full conviction, that you would do your duty to the College ; for, unless talent be placed in the professor of the Practice of Physic's Chair, the reputation which Edinburgh now enjoys, will be removed to Glasgow* Glasgow must now be look-
45
ed upon as a serious rival to Edinburgh. Glasgow* boasts of many clever men. Compare the ability of each holding Chairs in Glasgow, with those holding Chairs in Edinburgh ; and I tremble for the fate of Edinburgh. Why should there be so many ex-pro- fessors in Edinburgh ? The thing speaks for itself. There are several deep read men in Edinburgh, who can quote authorities since the flood, but who know so much, that they have no opinion of their own ; they are confused with other men's opinions, and tvho are the most dangerous practitioners ? Such men, though they may be admired for their learning, are incapable of showing that path, which they them- selves have never gone. I could mention the names of two or three very popular men, who, if they were to get the Chair, would do ?io good to the College, *#***.*, In wishing that you might obtain the Chair, I do it from these motives, — -
1st, Your lectures were founded upon anatomy; what you assertedj, might be proved by the greatest sceptic, with the scalpel,
Qdly, No assertion was ever brought forward that could not be proved; therefore, whatever theories you might adduce, could easily be proved by prac* tice.
Sdly, The opinions of almost every author upon the subject you were discussing, were duly canvass-* ed, their errors pointed out, whilst their valuable observations were duly estimated, and noted down. Your lectures were conducted upon the most philo- sophical principles I ever listened to.
The success I have had in my own practice, bear* with it ample testimony of the truth of your asser- tions, which I listened to, with the greatest pleasure. As to fanciful theories, I never heard a single one uttered. Many an assertion of yours have I proved upon the dead body, since I left Scotland. I really and candidly believe, that you are the only man fit to fill the Chair, now vacant by Dr Gregory's death ; and I do firmly believe, that you would exert every nerve to preserve to the University its fame as % school for medicine. If you did not, I would be one
©f the first, to take up the cudgels against you,
# # * *
Believe me to be, my Dear Sir, Most truly yours,
Richard Moulson.
From Da John Paul, Surgeon, R. N.
Elgin, 10th April 1821.
My Dear Sir,
I have had the honour to receive your letter of the 6th, and in reply, I do assure you, that nothing could be more agreeable to me, than to bear testimony to the value of your lectures. Indeed, I cannot think of the practical instructions which I derived from them, without the deepest feelings of gratitude. I, l,i.ke many other surgeons released from public em*
47
•ployment after the peace, went to Edinburgh with the view of graduating. It was then I had the good fortune to attend your class ; and I soon felt a tho- rough conviction, that your method of teaching me- dicine was conducted on the soundest principles, on facts ascertained by observing faithfully, at the bed- side of the patient, the progress of disease, and by investigating laboriously after death, the changes it effects in the structure of parts.
Facts only you detailed, and from them drew in- ferences ; never did you allow the delusive power of fancy, or the love of theory, to embellish your doc- trine. Your treatment, founded on correct views of pathology, was judicious and rational, altogether free from extravagance and hazard. But your lec- tures, in my humble opinion, not only shewed fideli- ty in ascertaining facts, and candour in detailing them, but also great research into ancient and mo- dern medical literature. You possess also the happy- talent of giving to your pupils a relish for the pro- fession, which you cultivate yourself with such ar- dent zeal. To conclude, although I have not been able to do any thing like justice to your acquire- ments, permit me to say, that you are the man of all others, to whom I would entrust my life, were I the subject of any serious malady.
Mr ■ , whose case I submitted to you
for advice some months ago, is greatly better, in- deed nearly as well as could be reasonably expected. Allow me to oiler you my best wishes for your sue*
48
cess ; and believe me to be, with the highest consi- deration, my Dear Sir,
Yours most faithfully,
John Paul, M. D. Surgeon R. N.
Irom Matthew Allen, Esq. Superintendent of the York Lunatic Asylum, &c.
York, April \5th 1821.
Dear Sir,
Hearing that you are a Candidate for the Chair vacant by the death of Dr Gregory, my gratitude to you as one of your pupils, prompts me to state to yourself, my opinion of your attainments and worth, as teaching and practising the art of medicine ; and I beg to say, that this opinion has been formed, not merely by hearing your lectures, and seeing your practice, and comparing them with many others in Britain, but also, from the test which experience has afforded me of confirming the truth of your general principles, — principles which, it appears to me, you have not formed without long, laborious, deep re» search into the theories, doctrines, and practices, of the ancients and moderns :
That you have examined these candidly and fair- ly, adopting or rejecting such parts of them as ap- pear to be either warranted, or not warranted by established truths, and always ready to modify your
49
views by the progress of knowledge, which has been so amazingly rapid in recent times, in all the colla- teral branches of medicine ;
That your fearless and laborious zeal always ap- peared to me, to have for its object, the improvement of medicine, as the means of good to the public, and not as a source of private emolument; and that it was guided by the love of truth ; and hence your anxiety to inculcate, by precept and example, the necessity of adhering strictly to anatomical facts, carefully demonstrated, and to the effects of the remedies and articles of the materia mcdica, scrupu- lously observed, by watching at the bed-side of the patient. Wishing you every success, I remain, Dear Sir,
With gratitude and respect, Yours truly,
Matthew Allejl
From Thomas Snaitit, Esquire, Surgeon,
Horncastle, April 15. 1831.
My Dear Sir,
The account of the death of Dr Gregory, and the announcement of yourself for the professorship, in- duce me to offer my humble opinion on your abili- ties as a teacher, and which, I am sorry to say, will be of but little value to you. Nevertheless, if what I state in this letter, can have the smallest influence
6
so
in your election to the vacant chair, I shall consider it one of the happiest periods of my life, in being instrumental in serving one to whom, with the as- sistance of the Almighty, I owe not only my life, hut the greater part of my success in practice. I have invariably treated my patients according to the rules laid down in your invaluable lectures ; and, for the greater part, the most beneficial effects have re- sulted from them. The cases on morbid anatomy, Which you so frequently and happily illustrate in your lectures, render them of incalculable value to the student ; and your familiar conversation after lecture, especially with the junior tyro, renders the most difficult of subjects comparatively easy. In short, I have always found your lectures to be prac- tically useful, conducted on the sound principles of facts well ascertained, observations faithfully made and candidly detailed, and that you were most care- ful to guard against the love of theory in doctrine, as well as all extravagance and hazard in practice.
Had it not been for your skill and unremitting attention towards me, whilst a student in your ce- lebrated University, I should not now be able to acknowledge the great debt of gratitude I owe to you, and which it will never be in my power to repay.
I am, my Dear Sir, , Your ever sincere friend,
Thomas Snaith.
51
From Andrew Hay, Esquire, Surgeon, R. N.
Gray Street , Newington, April 17. 1821. My Dear Sir,
I hear, with pleasure, that you intend to offer yourself candidate for the Chair vacant by the death of Dr Gregory.
It may be deemed presumptuous in me, to offer an opinion of your merit as a teacher, but I take the liberty to say, that during several courses of your lectures, which I have had the pleasure of attend- ing, I have ever found them the most instructive, practical, and, I may add, the most learned medical lessons, I have hitherto received ; your great aim hav- ing ever been, to found your reasoning on facts as* certained by dissection and clinical observation ; and, while applying your reasoning to practice, to endea- vour to steer clear of all fallacious and hypothetical theory.
As my practice as surgeon in his Majesty's ser- vice for many years, and in every quarter of the globe, has afforded me some opportunities of judg- ing of medical merit, I hope my opinion may not be thought altogether unworthy of regard. I am, my Dear Sir,
Yours very sincerely,
Andrew Hay.
Prom ItoBERr Liston, Esq. Surgeon, Member of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of London and Edin- burgh, Lecturer on Anatomy, and on the Prin- ciples and Practice of Surgery, &c. &c.
Edinburgh, 56, George Street^ April £3. 1821.
Mi Dear Sift,
I embrace* with the greatest pleasure, this op- portunity of expressing my admiration of your talents, and profound knowledge of that part of the profession, to which you have devoted your at- tention. Since I entered on practice as a sur- geon in this city, I have, in many cases of diffi- culty and danger, received such support, assistance, and advice from you, as I should have hardly found elsewhere. But it is not in the capacity of a surgi- cal practitioner only, that I can bear testimony to your merits. As a very old pupil also, I still grate- fully remember the instructive and beautiful lessons you then delivered ; the many discoveries in the anatomy, especially of the brain and spinal marrow, and in the development and appearances of the fcetal brain, you pointed out ; the relation of the blood vessels and nerves to one another ; the crowd of facts drawn from the examination of morbid structure, you brought to bear on every subject j and, lastly, the correct and logical deductions from these,
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in illustration of the phenomena, symptoms, and treatment of disease.
I have good reason to know, that, since I had the honour of attending you, nearly ten years ago, your ardour in the acquirement and communication of knowledge, has heen unabated, and, consequently, that your prelections are both more extended and valuable ; but, even at that period, I freely confess that I derived more pleasure and information from your lectures on the Practice of Medicine, and the morbid dissections we performed together, than from those of any other teacher, here or elsewhere, on that or any other subject.
It would be a difficult matter, in my opinion, con- sidering your long experience, both in the practice of your profession and in teaching, to find a person so eminently qualified to fill the Chair of Practice of Medicine (and if, as we have every reason to believe, the electors are determined to save the Universitv /lorn ruin, by giving the Chair to the most deserv- ing), the lot, I hav« no doubt, will fall on you. With * "best wishes for your success,
J am, my dear Sir,
Yours most ivnlyi
Kodt. LlSTOjfc
Uo Dr Sanders, Lecturer on the Practice ?f Medicine, &;<;. Edinburgh,
04,
From Dr Re id, Member of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, Teacher of Midwifery, &c. &c.
Edinburgh, 97, Nicolson Street^ 24>tk April 1821.
My Dear Doctor,
I am glad to learn, that you are a Candidate for the Chair of our late illustrious preceptor, Dr Gregory. I must confess that, when I was a student, I, like the greater part of young men, had a prejudice against every one who seemed, in the least, to deviate from the beaten path ; but after having finished my studies at this University, I by mere accident, met with you, at a dissection, which changed considerably my opinion. I then resolved to attend your lectures on the Practice of Physic ; and what I thought of them is evident from this circumstance, that, lifter being engaged in active practice, I was scarely ever absent from your class and dissections, during several successive years. In short, I found them of more value to me, in actual practice, than all that I had received before. Your profound and learned criticisms on all doctrines, ancient and modern ; your apt and judicious refer- ences, on all doubtful points, to demonstration and experience ; and the happy manner in which you made the reasonings and facts bear upon your prac- tical maxims, first inspired me with the idea, that
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it was possible to reduce the practice of medicine to4 fixed scientific principles.
Two things, however, in your teaching, were most instructive to me ; one was, that you detailed with so much candour, all the mistakes you yourself had made, the cause of them, and the means that you devised to prevent the same from happening, again. The next, was your method of conducting the anato- mical examination of a body ; narrating the symptoms progressively of the disease of which the person died ; and telling, what morbid appearances you ex- pected to find in any of the cavities, before the body was opened. At first, I reckoned this a very hazard- ous proceeding, as I had never seen it, either in hos- pital or in private operation, attempted before ; nay, I had sometimes seen examinations where the dis- ease was supposed to be in one part, which, on opening the body, was found to be in another ; but I have often told you, how gratified I was, when I observed, how exactly the appearances on dissection corresponded with what you predicted. It was this that gave me confidence in the anatomy of diseases. During the six or seven years that have elapsed, since I attended, I have omitted no opportunity of prosecuting the subject, and have found nothing but confirmation of your anatomical statements, and practical observations. — I fear you will think me tedious, but I am anxious to give my reasons for thinking no man so well qualified as yourself, to fill that important situation, on which the reputation of
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the University of Edinburgh so much depends. Wishing you, therefore, every success,
I am, your sincere friend, &c.
Alexander Reid.
From Benjamin Ridge, Esq. Surgeon.
Bridge JR,oady Lambetky JprilV7. 1821.
My Dear Sir,
It is quite impossible for me to find language, in which to do justice to the decided excellence of your Lectures on the Theory and Practice of Medicine, over those of any other man, I ever heard attempt to lecture.
In many particular complaints, I had listened in vain to men of reputed talent, for any thing like a satisfactory explanation, either as to their cause or cure. Your anatomical demonstrations were most correct, and your clinical observations minutely so. The facts, and facts only, in all cases select; and the results of an active and extensive practice, care- fully and candidly detailed and explained ; the most cautious and precise injunctions given, with regard to the administration of remedies ; and, as to any hypothesis or theory, so as to mislead the student, and deceive the unwary, I never heard from yqur
®
lips. In my close attendance (omitting only four lectures through a winter course), I never heard a vague surmise started, or a false conclusion drawn ; but, on the contrary r, true explanations given, indi- cating the most learned research into doctrines and practice, both ancient and modern. Nothing like; dogmatical doctrine of this or that line of practice, from your own experience only; but whenever new" ideas were started by you, in order to throw a light on diseases hitherto but imperfectly described or un- derstood, they were always accompanied by demon- strations at the point of the scalpel, so as to make the most determined sceptic (if he would only be- lieve his own eyes) a convert to your opinion and explanation.
Should the University of Edinburgh be so fortu- nate, as to rank you among the professors, immortal honour will be conferred on the College, and th& science of medicine elucidated to the improvement of the students, and to the benefit of mankind in. general. With every sentiment of respect and esteem', 1 beg to subscribe myself
Your obliged and obedient servant, Benjamin Ridge,
Surgeon, &c<,
To Dr James Sanders, Edinburgh.
o8
From Alexander Greig, Esq. Surgeon R. N.
Bt. Island, April 27- 1821.
My Dear Sanders,
In reply to your letter, informing me of your hav- ing offered yourself as Candidate for the vacant Chair of the Practice of Medicine in the University of Edinburgh, 1 am happy to have it in my power to say, that such an appointment would only be the reward of merit. For more than twenty years, I know, that your exertions to improve the medical art have been indefatigable; and that it has fallen to your lot to collect facts, and to* draw from them a series of conclusions, which have opened a new field for scientific inquiry, and, in my opinion, laid the basis for a system of medical practice, that will do you great honour, and the public the greatest possi- ble benefit. Whilst others have been endeavouring to discover remedies to arrest the progress of disease, you were diligently employed in examining the bo- dies of those who died of disease, and, from the en- larged views of the animal economy you have derived from this, the only true kind of research, you have de- monstrated, to the satisfaction of those who love truth, in preference to the chimeras of their imagination, that the medical art may be guided by principles, asunerring as those which preserve the harmony of the spheres, and that the practice of medicine is nothing but na- tural philosophy, applied to a particular purpose, viz.
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the alleviation of human suffering, I can prove your practice to be cautious, safe, and successful, and totally divested of visionary ideas; and in the sincere wish, that you may be the successful candif date,
I remain, my Dear Sanders, Yours ever most sincerely, Alexh. Greig. To Dr Sanders, Surgeon R. N,
Prom Willi a 3i Young, M. D. Physician am
Surgeon.
Edinburgh, 2,8th April 1821. ,
My Dear Sir,
In the midst of the deep regret which all, in somr measure, must have felt on account of the death of our late eminent preceptor, Dr Gregory, it afFords me the sincerest pleasure to be informed of your having proposed yourself, as a candidate to fill his place. A- mong the numerous applications which public report, represents to have been made for the important office, which that event has vacated, yours, in my estima- tion, possesses important claims. While I would not be understood to enter into any invidious com* paiisons, respecting the merits of the different can- didates, for all of whom I entertain high respect, and with some of whom I have been on habits ot friendship, it. may be allowed me to explain, in a few sentences, the reasons of those claims, which I con-
CO
ceiveyou to possess, to the important office, to which you aspire. And whatever value may be, or ought to be, attached to any opinion of mine on this sub- ject, I feel that, to give expression to that opinion, is rather to discharge a debt of gratitude for the ma- ny new and important views which your lectures have opened to me, in the philosophy of medicine, than to gratify any blind partiality of friendship.
It is now several years since I had the honour ut being introduced to acquaintance with you ; and, during that period, I have seen much to convince me, of the profundity of your researches, the great extent of your knowledge, and the accuracy of your observations.
Accustomed, in common with most at the comr mencement of medical or other pursuits, to take for granted, and firmly to believe, whatever had receive ed the sanction of a teacher, I found it difficult, af- ter finishing my studies at this University, to over- come the deep-rooted prejudices previously contract- ed, against what might be at variance with the ge- nerally received opinions. But an intimate acquain- tance with the facts, and a candid examination of the principles by which your tenets are supported, soon led me to discover, that I had come to the in- quiry in a state of mind by no means favourable to calm and candid examination; and if I found that you were " nullius addict us jurarc in verba magutri," it was only in the exercise of that enlightened criti- cism, which ought always to distinguish philosophi- cal inquiries* One important circumstance, connect*
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ed with your practice, deserves to be mentioned; The exact correspondence, in multitudes of instances, which I have witnessed, between your predictions of what would be found in the body, after death, and the actual facts, upon careful inspection, — a circum- stance which could not fail to impress. Your lec- tures, which some years ago I had the pleasure of attending, I found to be conducted on the sound principles of facts well ascertained,, and observations faithfully made, and candidly detailed.
Your qualifications, in short, are such as eminent- ly fit you for supporting the reputation of the Chair, for which you are a Candidate, and of the medical school to which it belongs.
I am, Dear Sir,
Yours faithfully,
William Young, M. D.
To Dr Sanders, Elder Street.
From Dr Hardie, Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, Physician to the Man- chester Infirmary, Dispensary, Lunatic Hospital, and Asylum, and to the House of Recovery, &c. &c.
Manchester, Q9th April 1821*
My Dear Doctor, It gave me much pleasure to learn that you are
G2
6ne of the Candidates for the Chair of the Practice of Physic, vacant by the death of our late illustrious preceptor Dr Gregory. The University of Edin- burgh is my alma mater. I feel deeply interested in its prosperity ; and I assure you, no private friendship should induce me, to support the pretensions of any one, whom I did not conceive to be, in every re- spect, eminently qualified to fulfil the duties of that most important situation, and to maintain, and, if possible, increase the reputation of that so justly celebrated school of medicine. But when I consi- der your extensive classical learning, your erudition, and your talent for deep and difficult investigation, and with all these advantages, your indefatigable in- dustry devoted, as it lias been for so many years, to the most useful researches into the animal economy, the nature of diseases, and the effects of remedies ; when I recollect your labours, which I myself have witnessed, your practical instructions, delivered with such perspicuity and candour, which, in the com- mencement of my professional life, were of the greatest service, and which years of active practice, on an ex- tensive scale, have confirmed ; I cannot, indeed, he- sitate to declare, that I am earnestly desirous you should have the appointment.
Your experiments on respiration are confirmed in the writings of Dr Sir Andrew Ualliday. The ex- periments, which you detailed in your lectures when I attended your class in 1808, in which you taught, that, contrary to the opinion received since the days of Harvey, the'arte'ncs did not diminish in diameter
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perceptibly, but in length, (Juring pulsation, are con- firmed in the works of Dr Parry. Your volume on diseases of the lungs, has been followed by a change in the views of medical men, respecting the nature and treatment of those diseases ; and few men have obtaiued a more complete triumph, on anyone subject, than you have done, by your treatise on Digitalis, respecting which your doctrines, derived from experiment and observation, were directly the reverse of ail that was believed and taught, in all the Universities of Europe.
In conclusion, allow me to say, that, in my opi- nion, you have gone far towards placing the science and Practice of Medicine upon a solid basis.
With best wishes for your success in the present, and in every future object of laudable ambition, be- lieve me to be,
My Dear Doctor,
Most truly yours,
Henry Hardie, M. D.
From Dr George Wilde, Physician and Surgeon, formerly President, at present Treasurer to the Royal Physical Society, &c.
17t Park Row, Bristo Street, Dear Sir, 3d May 1821.
I first learned to value and estimate your abilities in the Chair of lecture, and afterwards experienced
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them practically, at the bed-side of the patient, and in consultation.
To me, as well as to many intelligent professional friends, now practising successfully, both in our own island, and abroad, your lectures presented an inti- mate acquaintance with the fathers of the medical schools, or, in other words, were those of deep and learned research, in their whole illustrations, calcu- lated to impress forcibly on the mind, the ground- work and principles of the medical profession.
I attended Dr Gregory faithfully, for three suc- cessive sessions. His lectures, and even the notes of them which I took, I shall ever prize for luminous description, learned and deep research, and rich an- notation, all evincing that scientific and practical knowledge, for which he was so deservedly famed. But rejoicing as my mind does in this, much of which I trust to have treasured up, and will hold as an in- heritance of which I would not be deprived, yet, allow me to say, that when my knowledge of you first led me to attend your lectures, I found an addi- tion to my already acquired practical knowledge, in the clear, luminous, and full practical remarks with which your lectures were accompanied.
Allow me, my dear Sir, to say, that, in your lec- tures, I equally admire the cautious and circum- spect inculcations as to practice, with which they are accompanied, and which you seek to impress on the mind of the pupil. In these he is not led on to the pursuit of untried, dubious experiments, or to rash and heedless exhibitions. Sure criteria are ever
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sedulously endeavoured to be pointed out, and Im- pressed on the mind and judgment.
In ail of those consultations in which I have had the benefit of your advice and this has been fre- quent, I have always had to felicitate myself on the happy adaption of your opinion to the case, and ne- ver have I witnessed an advice sq given, but as after an anxious and minute inquiry into every symptom and circumstance of the case, yourself at the same time ready to receive, adopt, and state opinions liberally and fairly, as one whose chief aim was the meliora- tion of malady, or symptom of present distress, free from prejudice, or fixed prepossession, in short, such as became the physician, friend, and gentleman.
I trust, my dear Sir, you will receive these diptqtes and expressions, as genuine results of my own free conviction ; I would wish to be considered sincere in expression, as in thought, nor for a moment think, however much I might dilate or extend, that it could be otherwise than in sincerity ; and, in this hope, al? low me to remain,
My dear Sir,
Yours truly,
Geqrqe Wild--.
3
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It were easy for me to swell the list of testimo- nials, but I am unwilling to trespass on your time with repetition. I may mention, however, that of Dr Thatcher, member of the Royal College of Physi- cians of Edinburgh, and lecturer on the practice of midwifery, &c. &c. He has known me for these 18 years, as an investigator, practitioner, and teacher; and on all these points, he expresses himself to the same purport, with what is contained in the preced- ing communications, and adds, " You convey by " the perspicuity of your language, and correctness " of description, those facts of medical practice, which "are invaluable at the bedside of the patient; and w in my visit to Paris last year, I heard the most " flattering testimony of your abilities from some of " the first men in medical science," &c. You will also, I trust, excuse me for subjoining two other documents respecting my practical instructions, which will not have the less weight, that they were written with no design of promoting any remote pur- pose. The one I have through the medium of Thomas Oliver, Esq. Lochend, and the other through that of Alexander Wight, Esq. W. S. Edinburgh.
Lochend, July 20. 1818.
Dear Doctor,
In a letter I have just now received from my brother James, who, you will recollect, took his pas- sage to America, a few months ago, as surgeon to a
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vessel bound for that country, with from 80 to 100 emigrants, he requests me to inform you, that not long after leaving the port of Leith, a typhus fever made its appearance among the passengers, and threatened to extend itself to the whole on board ; but by adopting your mode of practice, he soon succeeded both in restoring to health those attacked by the fever, and in completely arresting the pro- gress of the contagion, so that, when they reached their destination, he had not one sick person on board. This, he says, he considers a striking proof of the correctness of your views in the treatment of typhus.
Yours sincerely,
Two* Oliver.
From Dr Wight, Madras, formerly one of the Pre« sidents of the Royal Physical Society.
Dr Robert Wight, in a letter from Madras to his father, who favoured me with the extract, introduces my name, and adds, " I will ever feel grateful to " the man, by following whose precepts, I have been " enabled to save the lives of some, and prevent "others from having to return to Europe, or sink " under the influence of what, under the usual modes <{ of treatment, would be called an incurable inter- " mittent fever ; and also have acquired a profes- " sionai reputation, wluch my superiors might envy,"
S8
My Loud, and Gentlemen,
With the most profound respect, I have laid be* fore you, ample materials by which to judge of me, as a cultivator* practitioner, and teacher of the heal« nig art-.
"Those, who have had the opportunity of observing, in all these respects, my procedure most cldsely, speak of me in a language quite unequivocal. The gentlemen, allow me to say, who have come forward at present, I never considered as pupils ; their ac- quirements and experience made them co-operators with me, in exploring medicine to its very founda- tions. JVIere novelty, in fact, opinion, or prescription, had no charms for us ; we had witnessed too much of the baneful predominance of ingenious innova- tions; we were animated with the desire of knowing things, as they really are, of having sound principles, and safe and efficacious treatment; we were soli- citous, so far as we could promote it, that the System of medicine should be according to the laws of na- ture; that its Doctrines should be the exposition of truth, and that its Practice should be to regulate the movements, preserving, never overwhelming the powers of life.
All the documents prove, without leaving the shadow of a doubt, that my time has been devoted above twenty years, to the acquisition of that know*
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ledge, which should enable me not only to practise, but to teach the Practice of Medicine:
That I made myself acquainted with the structure of the body, and with the functions of its organs, separately and conjointly, so far as these were to be learned, either from authors or teachers :
That I examined laboriously and critically, the theories, hypotheses, and doctrines, ancient and mo* dern, and have assiduously endeavoured, by experi- ment and observation, to determine how far they were, or were not, to be depended on :
That I have exerted myself unremittingly to in- vestigate the nature of diseases, by exploring the bodies of the dead :
That I have conducted researches concerning the effects of food, exercise, and the common avo- cations and circumstances of life, things previously almost entirely overlooked ; and also researches con- cerning the powers of the most potent articles of the Materia Medica, that I might remove hazardous and dangerous empiricism, by determining why, when, how, and to what extent, the former are to be al- lowed, or the latter administered :
That my labours directed in these different ways, embrace all the departments essential to the scienti- fic practising, and to the scientific teaching of the Practice of Medicine^:
That these labours, though not yet completed, si» far as they have been made public, are declared by the most eminent in Europe, of the practitioners and
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teachers in the various branches of medicine, to have improved both the science and the art.
May I call your attention again to the second part of my documents. They are not from those in the fanciful period of youth, when every thing is novel, and every ingeniously contrived doctrine, beautiful ; when the name of the instructor carries the power of authority, and his maxims are received as the dic- tates of that wisdom which cannot err. The appro- bation or disapprobation of such, I conceived, would, as it ought to Jiave, no weight whatever ; therefore, I applied to those only, of my former auditors, who had studied under the professors of this University, and some of them besides, at the other most cele- brated schools in Europe, or who had already practised either as physicians or surgeons, having been regu- larly qualified, and who were thus prepared to judge between those teachers enjoying the authority of ap- pointment and the titles of office, and me, whom they came at first to hear out of mere curiosity, and continued to attend, because what they heard, in- duced them to expect an addition of useful instruc- tion.
Nor was it enough for me, on this occasion, to have the opinion of those who had studied under the privileged teachers, received their diplomas, and acquired additional information from experience ; I selected those who had been in practice not only before they attended me, but who have also been ex- ercising the art of medicine for years since ; and these gentlemen, all respectable, and some of them holding