132 Remarks 'on a Spanish Pamphlet. 



But these judges of the performance, when they first ex* 

 amined it, had not yet been influenced by the prejudices 

 and mortified pride of the whole host of contagionists, and 

 no doubt exercised their powers with justice and liberality* 

 A few weeks after it had circulated, orders from the court 

 were issued for its suppression, and for the arrest and pro- 

 secution of the author, for diffusing fake, dangerous and 

 seditious opinions. He was soon compelled to subscribe to 

 a formal declaration of his pretended guilt, and to a certain 

 formula of retractation. More than fifteen hundred copies 

 of his work were publicly burnt. Still a few of them were 

 secretly kept and saved. Hence it comes to pass that we 

 have it in our power to restore the work to its primitive ob- 

 ject of utility, and to render to the writer the just tribute 

 of honour and praise, of which he could not be deprived. 

 May all iniquitous and absurd attempts to check or suppress 

 true information, always meet with a similar fate ! 



We translate, or rather, we make &free translation of the 

 following part of the introductory discourse, better to ex- 

 plain the motives of the writer, and to exhibit a specimen of 

 his impressive mode of reasoning ; 



" The love only of my fellow creatures could induce me 

 to investigate a subject so different from my usual pursuits; 

 that powerful motive has encouraged me to encounter all the 

 stings of criticism, and alone to oppose the many errors of 

 the public. I shall, perhaps, lose my time, while but a few 

 of my readers will feel disposed to renounce their opinions 

 and alter their belief. If I were seeking for honour and 

 fame, I should anticipate a disappointment ; but, while de- 

 fending the great interest which moves me, all kind of ap- 

 prehension is superseded, whether I hurt the feelings of 

 some, whether I expose the ignorance of others; provided I 

 could excite opposition, produce discussion, and stimulate 

 party spirit and inquiry. Experience and facts will then be 

 consulted, from which abundant streams of instruction may 

 be opened for the benefit of the afflicted race of mankind.- 

 To accomplish this laudable design, I promise to take all 

 my means and weapons from sound logic and common sense. 

 I shall be severe, but impartial and correct. 



" To you, ministers of health, and guardians of life (at 

 least you should be so), illustrious professors and practi- 

 tioners, I dedicate my observations and my doubts. Should 

 it be the case that I must oppose your doctrines, and warn 

 my fellow citizens against your advice, I will do it with 



