PRACTICE OF PHYSIC. 



have one for myself; while, at the same time, from some pecu- 

 liar circumstances in my situation, I had some additional induce- 

 ments to undertake such a work. 



Before I was established as a Professor of the Practice of 

 Physic in this University, I had been employed in giving Clin- 

 ical Lectures in the Royal Infirmary ; and upon that occasion 

 had delivered, what, in my opinion, seemed most just with re- 

 gard to both the nature and the cure of the diseases of which I 

 had occasion to treat. But I soon found that my doctrines 

 were taken notice of, as new and peculiar to myself; and were 

 accordingly severely criticised by those who, having long before 

 been trained up in the system of Boerhaave, had continued to 

 think that that system neither required any change, nor admit- 

 ted of any amendment. I found, at. the same time, that my 

 doctrines were frequently criticised by persons who either had 

 not been informed of them correctly, or who seemed not to un- 

 derstand them fully ; and, therefore, as soon as I was employed 

 to teach a more complete system of the Practice of Physic, I 

 judged it necessary to publish a text-book, not only for the be- 

 nefit of my hearers, but that I might also have an opportunity 

 of obtaining the opinion of the public more at large, and there- 

 by be enabled either to vindicate my doctrines, or be taught to 

 correct them. These were the motives for my attempting the 

 volumes I formerly published ; and now, from many years 1 ex- 

 perience of their utility to my hearers, as well as from the fa- 

 vourable reception they have met with from the public, I am 

 induced to give a new edition of this work, not only, as I hope, 

 more correct in many parts, but also more complete and com- 

 prehensive in its general extent. 



At the first publication of this work, it was intended chiefly 

 for the use of those gentlemen who attended my lectures ; al- 

 though, even then, for the reasons I have mentioned, it was 

 rendered more full than text-books commonly are ; and, in the 

 repeated editions I have since had occasion to give, I have been 

 constantly endeavouring to render it more full and comprehen- 

 sive. In these respects, I hope the present edition will appear 

 to be rendered more fit for general use, and better calculated to 

 afford satisfaction to all those who think they may still receive 

 any instruction from reading on this subject. 



