An exposition of quackery and imposture in medicine; being a popular treatise on medical philosophy / With notes by W. Wright.

  • Ticknor, Caleb, 1804-1840
Date:
1839
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An exposition of quackery and imposture in medicine; being a popular treatise on medical philosophy / With notes by W. Wright. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    iefforts, and pervert the judgment. True philosophy, does not seek to acquire science for the sole benefit of individuals—to alone aggrandize, or render famous, the erudite; but it aims to advance the happiness and prosperity of the world—the whole family of man. How contemptible then does a man seem, who is a member of a liberal and learned profession, professing himself the disciple of an art whose nature is divine, labouring to acquire wealth or fame at the sacrifice of truth — robbing others of the well-earned meed of merit—or refusing to listen to unimpeachable testi¬ mony. Still more insignificant and ridiculous does he appear, who would condemn and proscribe a remedy, or a course of treatment, on his own authority, which has received the sanction and approbation of multitudes of his equals, and superiors in talent, learning, and opportunities for experiment and observation. And another must appear in the same light, who would condemn all improvements, and regard them rather as innovations, because forsooth, he is incapable of giving them a just estimate. There is yet another view to be taken of this subject. When a man voluntarily engages in any undertaking —when he adopts any occupation or profession—he virtually pledges himself—he impliedly makes a con¬ tract, to make the interest of the calling, which he of his own accord chooses, his own interest. Ihe welfaie of each is thus identical — one, and indivisible. A volunteer in military service is bound by his honour to watch over, protect, and promote the well-being of the whole army. Its cause becomes his cause, its interest his interest. In the same light should a volunteer in the medical ranks consider himself, for