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out without difficulty. Indeed in every case where 

 the operator is made conscious of great opposition 

 from natural causes, it is better to cease all attempts 

 for the present — to wait for a week or two, and then 

 renew the trial ; and even make a third effort, after a 

 like pause, rather than by unjustifiable violence hazard 

 an accident, perhaps more fatal in its consequences 

 than the evil which it was desired should be removed. 

 The course of the malady allows the surgeon to 

 exercise his patience, without effort ; and even if 

 danger threatened, his principles teach him that force 

 is never justifiable. Gentle, resolute, and collected, 

 must such a person be at all times : the violence he 

 seems to employ is but the proper application of his 

 art, and the speed he appears to make is but the 

 graceful use of the time and means at his command. 

 Often does he to the ignorant appear to be idle, 

 when he is only anxiously waiting for the proper 

 time to commence his operations ; and frequently is 

 he accused of precipitation, when he knows that 

 activity alone can crown his efforts with success. 

 Let there then be no authority exercised over him 

 whose painful duty it is to deal with disease. The 

 means at his command are confessedly small, the end 



