236 ON THOUGHT IN MEDICINE. 



the only true knowledge. It is seen, also, that here no 

 regard is paid to the validity of the proof, and that a 

 mere statement in the form of a deduction from the 

 entirety of a system is recognised as ' apodictic know- 

 ledge.' 



Let us, then, throw no stones at our old medical 

 predecessors, who in dark ages, and with but slight 

 preliminary knowledge, fell into precisely the same 

 errors as the great intelligences of what wishes to be 

 thought the illuminated nineteenth century. They did 

 no worse than their predecessors except that the non- 

 sense of their method was more prominent in the 

 matter of natural science. Let us work on. In this work 

 of true intelligence physicians are called upon to play 

 a prominent part. Among those who are continually 

 called upon actively to preserve and apply their know- 

 ledge of nature, you are those who begin with the best 

 mental preparation, and are acquainted with the most 

 varied regions of natural phenomena. 



In order, finally, to conclude our consultation on the 

 condition of Dame Medicine correctly with the epikri- 

 sis, I think we have every reason to be content with the 

 success of the treatment which the school of natural 

 science has applied, and we can only recommend the 

 younger generation to continue the same therapeutics. 



