PREFACE.
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took advantage of it in order to show that an artificial pursuit, which has proved destructive to the happiness as well as to the property of thousands, is less entitled than our own, to the esteem and sympathy of the world.[1]
In the latter pages, the reader may recognise in more than one passage quoted under his name, the sentiments, and probably even the language of that elegant writer.
- ↑ There is no other real source of greatness than that arising either from intellectual or moral pre-eminence. Dignity of noble birth, or the possession of wealth as sources of greatness, are the mere conventionalisms of the world. Their nature is extrinsic—not inherent, They may be said to be rather the representatives of greatness, than the possessors of it. Great and good deeds infer either intellectual or moral superiority. The professors of medicine, estimated by their unpaid services rendered to the world, are among the greatest benefactors to mankind.
