lii 



reflection were of more service than reading for the formation of the 

 scientific mind, and original knowledge more valuable than that which 

 is secondhand. He himself used hooks and so ad vised younger men 

 to use them rather to gain the knowledge of what had been done, and 

 as an aid towards actual observation and reflection, than thereby to 

 educate themselves. His belief that observation, practice, and thought 

 are the chiefest means for self-training in science partly accounts for 

 the brevity of his published works, and greatly enhances their value. 



As a surgeon, he was remarkable from early life for the scrupulous 

 care which he bestowed on the investigation of the cases entrusted to 

 him. This obtained for him in a few years rare quickness as well as 

 precision in the formation of his opinion. When Sir Astley Cooper's 

 practice declined, he was for many years extensively called upon to 

 act as an operator. He excelled in that department of his art ; 

 for he had every requisite for success knowledge, coolness, and the 

 quick imagination which prepares for almost all possible emergencies 

 that can occur, and suggests at once expedients when any come un- 

 foreseen. He did not, however, give the highest place to this part 

 of his professional duties ; for, in an occupation in which intellectual 

 power and practical skill are combined, he valued those parts the 

 most in which the most intellectual power is evoked. At the same 

 time he was ready and ingenious in mechanical contrivances, and had 

 the neatness and the method so requisite for a good surgeon. It was 

 characteristic of his mind, that, among a few valuable lectures on some 

 important subjects which he collected into a volume, he has given a 

 place to one on Corns and Bunions showing that in his judgment 

 a small evil which can produce great annoyance requires as much 

 consideration in its turn as more serious disorders. In truth, as the 

 great aim of his life was to prevent or to cure disease, that which was 

 curable, though trifling, would in one sense attract his notice more 

 than that which was already irremediable. At the same time his diffi- 

 culty in coming to the conclusion that there was nothing to be done, 

 in even the gravest case, was a marked feature in his hopeful mind. 



But the character of Brodie can be only properly considered as a 

 whole. Neither as scientific man, nor as surgeon, nor as author 

 was he so remarkable as he appears when viewed as he was a com- 

 plete man necessarily engaged in various callings. It was impossible 

 to see him acting in any capacity without instinctively feeling that 



