Spondylotherapy : physio and pharmaco-therapy and diagnostic methods based on a study of clinical physiology / by Albert Abrams.

  • Abrams, Albert, 1863-1924.
Date:
1918
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Spondylotherapy : physio and pharmaco-therapy and diagnostic methods based on a study of clinical physiology / by Albert Abrams. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    13/1092
    HE favorable reception accorded to the previous editions, has induced the author to undertake the enlargement of this work by the addition of seven chapters (xii—xviii) and fifty new illustrations. When the first edition of this book was published, nearly two years ago, it was a pioneer effort and only the cognoscenti could correctly interpret its real significance, viz., that spondylotherapy was suggested by the study of human physiology, on the principle that, “The proper study of mankind is man.” After this manner, clinical physiology is made the basis of clinical pathology. To launch an innovation in medicine, with its surfeit of theories and theorists, is fraught with much risk to the innovator and the author anticipated the usual fate accorded to the originator, viz., condemnation, discussion and possibly acceptance. Neither fear of difficulty, nor adverse criticism, deterred him from regarding scepticism as an argument against the truth of his observations. It is indeed unfortunate that our medical journals have not yet attained that Utopian condition, when they are eager to give space to the protestations of an author, who feels that his work has been misinterpreted or unjustly criticised. For the latter reason, the author may be pardoned for utilizing the bulk of this preface in refuting some reviews of the previous edition. The review of “The Journal of the American Medical Association,” is discussed on page 387. Occasionally, a reviewer has sat in the scorner’s seat and hurled the cynic’s ban. “There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all argument and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance ; this principle is con¬ tempt prior to examination.” A reviewer asseverated that the book contained nothing that was particularly new. The latter conflicted with another reviewer who said, “There are fifty pages scattered throughout the volume, any one of which could he torn out and be used as a starting point and an in¬ spiration for most valuable research work. The possessor of this book has a rich mine of startlingly suggestive knowledge .... and to the man of study who strives to reach ever better and more fruitful