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and in this has a close connection with the Materia Medica.
There are indeed but few substances which are used as Medicines, simply and singly, in their natural state; but they are commonly compounded by art. As it belongs to Pharmaceutic Chymistry to treat of the separation of the parts of medicinal substances from one another, and of the new properties arising from the composition or resolution of those, bodies, it is manifest that this science is of essential use. Whatever skill we may boast in investigating the nature of a disease, or in understanding the structure of the body, yet without a knowledge of the instruments which are to be used, and of their properties and action upon the body, whereby they produce a change from sickness to health, other knowledge avails little in the cure of diseases.
The Theory of Physic, more commonly termed Medical Institutions, comprehends under it, the important doctrines of Physiology and Pathology.
Physiology teaches the uses of the several parts in the human body, it treats of all the functions, vital, animal, and natural, in a found state. The illustrious Haller very properly denominates it animated Anatomy.
