INTRODUCTION. xxiii 



1 might produce many such testimonials, but they 

 are unnecessary ; as I have not any desire to obtrude 

 my System on the public. I simply call attention to 

 that which I have experienced, and leave it to every 

 reader to examine and judge for himself. I wish to 

 avoid self-praise, and honestly to give the impartial 

 reader an opportunity of judging from this work, 

 v/hether the happy results, herein described, are to be 

 attributed to good-fortune, or, to the excellence of 

 the system, and my peculiar mode of treatment. 



We have continually to combat with deeply root- 

 ed habits and prejudices ; and it requires no little 

 patience, constancy, and perseverance to come off 

 triumphant. Habit exercises a powerful influence 

 on the mental faculties, as well as on the physical 

 organisation. It is a very difficult task, and one 

 which requires indomitable resolution, to forget 

 what we have once learned, and to apply ourselves 

 to the study of things which may have appeared im- 

 possible. Yet, men of sense often change their 

 opinions — blockheads, never. This is especially the 

 case with persons who are strongly prejudiced in 

 favor of Systems to which they are indebted for 

 their reputation, extensive practice, and good in- 

 come. It can scarcely be expected that men should 

 abandon their lengthy prescriptions and familiar 

 methods, to study new ones ; or, that they should 

 be persuaded that minute doses could produce 

 eff'ects more salutary and rapidly than larger ones. 

 Above all, those who prefer gain to conscientious- 

 ness, may be expected to raise an outcry against 

 this publication. To those who may attempt to 

 decry my System, whether from pecuniary interest, 

 ignorance, or a lack of power to relinquish prejudices, 



