1098 GENERAL TREATMENT. 



quent fomentations, the application of simple 

 cerate, and wrapping the affected limb with a 

 flannel roller, which is not only more warm but 

 more elastic than a cotton bandage* 



And now that I have brought this laborious 

 undertaking to a close, it remains for competent 

 judges to decide how far the principles developed 

 have been founded on a legitimate and compre- 

 hensive induction from facts. If true, they 

 must be realized in all the practical concerns of 

 human life, but more especially in improved 

 methods of preserving health and curing dis- 

 eases. Animated by the grandeur of the sub- 

 ject, and a deep conviction of its vast importance 

 to the welfare of mankind, I have committed 

 myself with unreserved confidence to the gui- 

 dance of nature, undismayed by the magnitude 

 of the enterprise ; believing with Bacon, that in, 

 science, as " in the affairs of civil government, 

 it is better to change many things than one ;" 

 and with Sir Edward Bulwer, that " there does 

 not exist one prejudice which can be called salu- 

 tary, nor one error beneficial to perpetuate." 

 (The Disowned, ch. xxii.) 



During the prosecution of this task, I have 

 been often reminded of the many deeply rooted 

 prejudices by which the reformer is surrounded : 

 that the mass of mankind have in all past ages 

 been ungrateful to their best friends ; that it is 

 generally a thankless office to oppose opinions 



