44. Professor Burnett’s 
many, many other curious and _ interesting physiological 
themes, though pregnant with information and replete with 
wonder, are all alike forbidden here. Botany being, to the 
Medico-Botanical Society, but one among several means by 
which it proposes to advance an ulterior object; hence, I 
must confess that my favorite study must not be allowed 
undue preponderance, and I submit to the decision, that, 
although a means, it is not here an end; it is one way to the 
science here held in view, (and a delightful flowery path it 
is,) but that it must not be mistaken for the goal itself. 
Therefore, as these favorite topics would be here irrele- 
vant, to a not less important, though less entrancing section 
must our attention at this present be directed, to one 
subdivision of one section of this extensive science, viz. 
Economic Botany; whence I shall be led to discuss the uses 
and properties of vegetables, more especially of medicinal 
plants, and medicinal preparations. Hence, in order not to 
wander from my province, and hoping to be set right by the 
Council if I greatly err, is it that 1 have resolved, in this my 
inaugural address, to trace, as it were in outline, the pro- 
gress of medico-botanical science; for thus will be most 
clearly seen, not only the benefits it has bestowed upon 
mankind,—for thus will be most certainly foreshown, not 
only the blessings it has still in store, but also, from this 
conspectus of what has been already done, we shall be di- 
rected to what there remains for us to do: directed to that 
course which may most advantageously be pursued, and 
encouraged in those researches by which, in conjunction with 
his colleagues, the professor of botany may hope most effi- 
ciently to serve the ends, most rapidly to advance the objects, 
of your Society: for he feels, acutely feels, that, as an office 
is honourable, so, in an equal degree, does responsibility 
attach to him that holds it. 
Gentlemen: As long as the human race have been subject 
to disease, as long as pain has been an evil, so long must 
means of alleviation have been sought, and so long must 
medicines have been prescribed and used. Rude, indeed, 
were the early essays of our art, and long must they have 
continued rude: the morning twilight of physic has been for 
ages dawning into perfect day; comparatively, it is not long 
since men, ignorant alike of the indications to be observed, 
and of the instruments by which those indications might be 
fulfilled, prescribed scarlet clothes for fever, because they 
both were red, and saffron for jaundice, on account of its 
yellow hue. 
Much lately has been done in the investigation of diseases, 
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