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This part therefore, as it teaches us the universal application of the precepts derived from a just reasoning and accurate observations made upon diseases, is unquestionably to be accounted the finishing part of Medicine.
As the end of our pursuits is more noble than the means, the importance and dignity of practice are therefore evident; and in as far as the knowledge of the other branches are not considered in subserviency to this, they are merely speculative; though they must be allowed to afford a speculation of a very sublime nature.
Medical Science is one whole, of which all the branches I have enumerated are the several parts. They may be considered as the links of a chain that have a mutual connection with one another. Anatomy, Materia Medica, Botany, Chymistry, and the Institutions, are only the ladder by which we are to mount up to practice. A general knowledge, at least, in each one of them, is useful to both Physician and Surgeon; particularly to the former, who in proportion as he is more intimately acquainted with them all, will become more skillful in the healing science. For, although he confines himself to his proper province of prescribing for diseases, yet ought he to understand the principles of the entire art, and more especially he ought to be very con-
