276 R O W E L L I N a 



tion, confent to perforate the hide of his 

 horfe, and ftand the doubtful chances of 

 comphcated difquietude, a lucky formation 

 and fortunate flow of matter; an ill-condi- 

 tioned wound, inveterate ulcer, or prominent 

 cicatrix, conftituting an irreparable blcmifh, 

 when it can be fo readily avoided ? 



But admitting, in compliment to ancient 

 pradiice, their utility to be obvious in the 

 inflammatory or vifcid cafes before recited ; 

 let us make a fair and candid inquiry into 

 the lifl: of Mr. Clarke's, not long fince 

 quoted, (which is, in fad:, Bracken's, 

 Bartlet's, and Osmer's alfo) and 

 openly acknowledge where it will be proper 

 to coalefce, and where diflent from fuch opi- 

 nions; that their great and indifcriminate 

 merit may with propriety come before that 

 public tribunal, to whofe decifive arbitration 

 every literary difquijitionijl mult ultimately 

 fubmit. 



That the fubjed (and of impoitance it 

 certainly is) may meet the eye and attrad 

 the judgment of every unbiafled invefti- 



gator 



