175 [xiT. 
results of chemistry, will be, a total repudiation of 
the whole theory and practice, carrying with it, in 
one condemning sweep, the judicious and the over- 
strained practice involved in the present theory of 
lithic disorders. In medicine. as in prize-fighting, 
we should courageously and fairly. come up to the 
chalk : a step beyond, or even half over it, is, in 
both instances, unfair anda fault, casting suspi- 
cion and distrust upon all subsequent movements. 
I cannot but think the chalk has been oversteped, 
by some writers, and gifted writers too, on this 
interesting subject. That you may not, by imbi- 
bing these tenets, to their full and prejudicial ex- 
tent. compromit your future talents, industry and 
usefulness in the same involution of over-heated 
zeal, which threatens to raze the existing cheimico- 
medical doctrine of calculus and its generative 
taint—I shall proceed to an exposition of the princi- 
ples on which it is grounded and the pathology — 
_ and practice to which it points ; and tl deay- - 
our to shew my sense of that part of 
true and feasible, and that which appears gratui- 
tous and impracticable. The whole doctrine and 
its consecutive practice, is appreciable by ordinary 
intelligence ; and nothing more than sceptical at- 
tention is required to understand its merits and 
defects—its good and its evil tendency. 
A knowledge of the constituent principles of the 
urine, is the foundation of rational antilithic prac-— 
tice. Without understanding these principles, — 
which chemistry bas brought to light, the prac- - 
titioner would treat the lithic taint, empirically. 
I proceed therefore, to call your attention to this 
subject, as one greatly enlightened by the industry 
and acumen of those medical chemists, who have 
devoted so much time with so much success, to. 
_ this difficult subject. I need scarcely observe, that 
