An introductory discourse to a course of lectures on the theory and practice of physic : containing observations on the inductive system of prosecuting medical inquiries, and a tribute to the memory of the late Dr. Benjamin Rush, delivered at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, on the third of November, 1813 / by David Hosack.

Date:
1813
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An introductory discourse to a course of lectures on the theory and practice of physic : containing observations on the inductive system of prosecuting medical inquiries, and a tribute to the memory of the late Dr. Benjamin Rush, delivered at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, on the third of November, 1813 / by David Hosack. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. The original may be consulted at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.

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    have their peculiarities of character, which no system of no- sology will supply, no description, however voluminous or ini nute, can impart, which no medical Lava ter has yet delinea- ted, and with which practice alone can make us acquainted. It is only the practical botanist who can distinguish plants which have a dose resemblance. Tlie eye of the practical physician, in like manner, when quickened by habit, readily distinguishes one form of fever from another, but which are all confounded in the eyes of the hasty observer, or of him wlmse preconceived notions liave interposed a medium which obscures his vision. But this knowledge of the symptoms of disease is not sufficient to lead us to their prevention and cure. Whatever may be the readiness with which diseases may be perceived, or however minute may be our acquaint- ance with the varied phenomena they exhibit, it « only the knowledge of the various causes by which they are produced, and of the structure of the system upon which they operate, that can direct us toasafe and judicious practice; for, from these sources alone, the great principles upon which the treat- ment of disease is to be conducted must be derived. These causes are of three kinds: such as arc generally in herent in our frame, and predispose the system to be acted upon; those which arc the most immediate, and for the most part external agents in exciting disease; and lastly, the proxi- mate cause, which denotes the condition of the part affected, or of the whole system, and upon the change or removal of which the corresponding changes or removal of the disease depends. To use the elegant language of l)r. Gregory, that