330 Essay on the Remktcnl and Intermittent Diseases. 



Art^ XVL — JVotice of an Essay on the Remittent and Intermit' 

 tent Diseases^ inehiding generically Marsh Fevers and JVenraJ- 

 gie; by John MacCulloch M. D., F. R. S., &:c. he. Physi- 

 cian in ordinary to His Royal Highness Prince Leopold of S axe 

 Cohotug. 8vo. Carey and Lea, Philadelphia, 1830. 



Perhaps the accurate sciences have not been more prodigal of 

 benefits in any department of human affairs, than in that of the heal- 

 ing art. Chemistry has developed not only immense resources, but 

 principles, which aid the naturalist in his investigations; and a prac- 

 titioner at this day is expected to be both a naturalist and a philoso- 

 pher. He is no longer bound to the formulary of symptoms, and 

 names of disorders, with direction to seek in the pharmacopeia for an- 

 ' tagonist medicines wherewith to w^age battle with diseases ; but sci- 

 ence unfolds the curious and complicated arrangement of the anima- 

 ted structure, its modes of operation, and the probable causes of its 

 derangement, enabling the philosophical observer to distinguish and 

 apply appropriate remedies. The aim is sufficiently exalted when 

 the diminution of human suffering is the object, and tliere cannot be 

 one of more " universal concernment, or of deeper personal in- 

 terest." 



. Messrs* Carey and Lea, of Philadelpliia, have favored the pub- 

 lic with an American edition of Dr. MacCulloch's treatises on Re- 

 mittent and Intermittent Diseases, a w^ork which, although in some 

 parts obscurely written, contains internal evidence of acute scientif- 

 ic investigation. 



If the observations of the author are correct, and if his theory of 



"r ^^ 



treatment is adopted, they w^ill form an era in physic as regards fe- 

 ver, equal to the discovery of vaccination. He proceeds, with a 

 severe integrity of purpose, through a philosopical enquiry into the 

 natural history of those diseases, and agreeably to the Baconian rule, 

 of proving every thing by experiment, he asserts nothing without 

 the sanction of evidence ; and in every case w^ien the subject ad- 

 mits, he brings forward examples and inductions, tested by his own 

 experience. The point at wdiich he aims more than all others, is 

 to draw attention to that vast class of disorders produced by Mala- 

 ria, at the head of which Is intermitting fever ; and to shew, that 

 many which are viewed as distinct and independent diseases, are, in 

 fact, referable to a generic origin ; and also that enor^ of treatment, 



