From the unsparing manner in which the author has commented upon several kinds of quackery, some might be led to infer that he has been prompted by personal animosity. But such is not the case; he has many highly esteemed personal friends among those whose medical theories he wholly repudiates, and he entertains no ungenerous feeling towards any individual, merely on account of his professional creed; but he has the charity to believe that there are many honorable, well-meaning men, who have, some how or other, been led astray into the devious paths of empiricism. Yet the author would have been false to his own convictions, false to his profession, and false to the interests of humanity, if he had not given unreserved utterance to the sentiments of his heart. And in offering to the public the following brief and imperfect sketches of some of the most prominent varieties of quackery, with a consideration of some of the causes which have led to their encouragement and support, he invokes the careful and candid attention of the reader. The subject is certainly one of importance, and deeply concerns every class and every individual in the community: and its examination should not be postponed to the moment of casualty or the hour of sickness, but should be made and settled in the quiet sunshine of health and serenity of reason. It is hoped, that from the hints here thrown out, many will be induced to examine more thoroughly, and understand more correctly, the true principles of medical science.
Taunton, Mass., June 1, 1858.
