ON THE STUDY OF PHYSIOLOGY. 6/ 



only cause of life. It is amusing to observe the entire 

 conviction and self-complacency with which such sys- 

 tems are brought forwards. The parable of Nathan the 

 Wise is not confined in its application to matters of theo- 

 logical faith — to tlie ardour with which wrangling secta- 

 ries dispute about their petty divisions and subdivisions of 

 belief : each medical sect conceives itself in possession of 

 the true ring ; yet probably tliey are all more or less 

 counterfeit. 



If the seductive influence of favourite notions, and the 

 disproportionate importance attached to particular sciences, 

 have operated so unfavourably on the doctrines of physio- 

 logy and medicine, the remedy for the evil must be sought in 

 more enlarged views and general knowledge. We cannot 

 expect to discover the true relations of things, until we rise 

 high enough to survey the whole field of science, to ob- 

 serve the connexions of the various parts and their mutual 

 influence. 



Besides the direct utility of the physical sciences in ex- 

 plaining many parts of the animal economy, they serve a 

 collateral purpose, which recommends them strongly to 

 the medical student. They have their foundation in ex- 

 periment, as physiology and medicine have in observation ; 

 the only difference being, that in the latter case we are 

 obliged to take our subjects in all the complexity of their 

 natural composition, while in the former it is in our power 

 to regulate the conditions of the operation, and to reduce 

 them, by successive analyses^ to the greatest simplicity. 

 The subsequent proceedings of physical science are go- 

 verned by strict method, and guarded against error by the 

 severe rules of inductive logic. The constant vigilance of 

 these incorruptible sentinels protects the sanctuary from 

 the incursions of extra-physical or metaphysical chimeras, 

 and from the intrusion of immaterial agencies. Strength- 

 ened by this salutary discipline, and accustomed to close 

 reasoning, the mind is well prepared for the study of liv- 

 ing nature, clothed with a defensive armour, on which 



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