M.4 \OTES ASf) 



to the overthrow of many errors, and to the discovery of new physiological aad 

 pathological principles ; which has prompted its professors to exertions that have 

 eminently contributed to the general adoption of a more judicious treatmertt of 

 many disorders, to the rejection of numerous inert substances inserted into the 

 ruateria medica, and to the augmentation of the list of those of approved medici- 

 nal virtues ; to a more liberal use of vigorous remedies and to a more bold and 

 successful method of practice. 



This view of the laws regulating the communication of contagious disorders 

 proposed by dr. Hosack, greatly limits the ground of controversy ; and I am 

 gratified in adding, that it has met with a most favourable reception witli the 

 physicians of Europe, and has reflected great honor on the state of medical 

 learning in this country. (See the London Ann. Med. Review, for 1809 : the 

 Edin. Med. andSurg. Journal.} For more able details on the subjects of con- 

 tagion and infection, and for the histories of various epidemics which have pre- 

 vailed in the United States, the reader will consult that valuable periodical 

 journal, the Medical Repository, edited by drs. Mitchill, Smith, and Miller j 

 the Philadelphia Medical Museum, by dr. Coxe ; the American Medical and 

 Philosophical Register, conducted by drs. Hosack and Francis ; and the Ma*- 

 sachusetts Medical Communication?. 



The following note refers to the account of Bacon and Coke, in the Itith page, 

 and was accidentally omitted. 



Having frequently referred to Francis Bacon, (lord Verulam, and viscount at. 

 Albans,) it may not be amiss to mention ais melancholy fall. Pope says, 



" If parts allure thee, think how Bacon sinned, 

 The brightest, wisest, meanest of mankind." 



Iti March, 1620, a committee of the house of commons, appointed to inquire 

 into abuses in the courts of justice, reported specific charges of corruption against 

 him in the execution of Ins office of lord chancellor of England. His antagonist, 

 sir Edward Coke, who was then a member, was one of the committee appointed 

 to draw up the charges against him j and he was finally impeached before the 

 house of lords. He at first avoided an investigation on the plea of sickness ; but 

 finally, on the 30th of April, he made a humble and contrite confession, and ad- 

 mitted that, pendmte lite, he had received large sums of money, and other dou- 

 ceur?, from suitors in his court, and he was fined forty thousand pounds, bnpris- 



