382 Human Physiology. 



theory, but be an eclectic so far as to be ready to avail him- 

 self of any and every means of doing good to his patients. 

 One may not approve of the general use of emetics; but who 

 would hesitate to give a tumbler of warm water and mustard, 

 or ipecac, or even tartar-emetic, in a case of poison? The 

 most rigid homceopathist might find it necessary to give castor 

 oil or epsom salts in an emergency. We are sometimes com- 

 pelled to make a choice of evils, or submit to a lesser evil for 

 a greater good and in such cases, the end sanctifies the 

 means, whatever may have been taught or not taught by the 

 Jesuits. 



The first maxim in medicine is to do no harm. Nature, who 

 is to do the work, must not be hindered, nor mischievously 

 interfered with, nor have her forces diminished, as they used 

 to be, and still are to some extent, by bleedings, blisterings, the 

 administration of exhausting drugs, anodynes, opiates, or any 

 of the poisons that lower and paralyse the vital powers. The 

 vis medicatrix natura must exert its full energy. The physician 

 is its valet, not its master. He may help, if he can, but he 

 must never hinder. Loading with needless and hurtful food, 

 exciting with stimulants, drenching with draughts invented to 

 enrich the druggists, fussing with powders and potions, only 

 hinder cure. Satisfy the patient if you can ; but in some way 

 not to do mischief. Satisfy the patient's friends if you must; 

 but not at the patient's expense. 



What the physician can do, is to give his patient, as far as 

 possible, the conditions of recuperative action light, pure air, 

 perfect cleanliness of person, couch, and covering, quiet, cool- 

 ing and healthful drinks at an agreeable temperature, the most 

 grateful being pure soft water, toast water, or water slightly 

 acid with fruit juices ; frequent spongings and friction with soft 

 towels or pleasant hands. He can remove obstructions; keep 

 the bowels in good condition by cool injections, pure cold 

 water being the best application to the mucous membrane any- 



