260 EUROPEAN AGRICULTURE. 



much further progress in phrenological science, we can do little 

 by applications to the imaginations of horses or dogs. But, 

 whatever imperfection attaches itself to medical science, some 

 thing at least may be gained from it : and it certainly presents 

 the only practicable and probable means of learning the nature 

 of disease, and combating its power. At any rate, medical 

 science, and a thorough medical education, seem to afford the 

 only substantial security against the evils of empiricism or 

 quackery ; and, to say nothing of experiments upon the human 

 organism, I have myself seen, under the pretence of remedy or 

 cure, such horrible cruelties practised upon dumb animals, as 

 have filled me with indignation, and have made me indulge the 

 inhuman wish of changing places with the operator of putting 

 him in the position of his unhappy patient, and of being allowed 

 to try some of his prescriptions upon himself. If they answered, 

 well : but, in many cases, I think he would soon be past answer 

 ing at all. The public have reason to congratulate themselves 

 that medical practice is now every where assuming the character 

 of prevention rather than of cure ; and that the truly respectable 

 part of the profession, dropping that profound air of mystery 

 with which they formerly were accustomed to wrap themselves 

 up, and which made one tremble in their presence almost as 

 much as in the presence of the original professor of the black art, 

 now prefer the more simple to the more artificial practice. 

 They seem to be fast learning that Nature, like others of the 

 sex, may be persuaded, but not forced : may be kindly led, but 

 woe be to the man who attempts to drive her ; and that, in 

 truth, the great object of medicine is. not to give health, but to 

 remove disease : to clean and adjust the machinery, and then it 

 will go right of itself, barring accidents, as long as it is intended 

 to go at all. 



I have already spoken of the importance of the veterinary art 

 in an economical view. A frightful disease has for some time 

 prevailed among the cattle in England, Ireland, and the Con 

 tinent. I met with one farmer who assured me that he had lost 

 by it, in one season, ninety-seven cattle, and he feared his whole 

 herd might perish with it, for he could find no remedy. Now, 

 there is no hope of any remedy but from the investigations of 

 medical skill and science. We want men, therefore, who by 

 education are caialified for, and willing to devote themselves to. the 



