My préface is brief. My object Eeform. The "Kight of 

 Search " is inhérent— is instinctive. When truth has been ex- 

 pelled from the page of science by the usurpation of error, the 

 exercise of this right is demanded, and should be put in réquisi- 

 tion. 



From its fugitive state by expulsion, to reclaim and reinstate 

 it within its legitirnate. domain, is the province and duty of ail. 



Where science instructs, and medicine restores us to health, 

 their excellence and utility none will deny. But, if one misleads 

 and the other destroys us, both deserve exécration. How shall 

 we distinguish them? This remark is applicable to ail, the 

 " learned professions," and to ail mechanical arts. 



Another truism — every innovation is not an improvement. 

 And yet, no improvement was ever made without subjecting its 

 author to the charge of homicide, committed upon some idolized 

 opinions and long cherished dogmas. 



Hence, the rancorous vitupération and persécution with which 

 an innovator or dissenter is deluged, for his temerity in question- 

 ing the yalidity of effete dogmas and postulâtes— and for an in- 

 vasion of what perfectionists and exclusives deem vested rights, 

 interests and prérogatives. 



The truth of this is exemplified in the case of Galileo, for his 

 presumptuous innovation upon the astronomical doctrines and 

 fabulous notions of his bewildered cotemporaries. They could 

 not, and would not, brook the idea of their own error and delu- 

 sion. Their " standard works, "' upon astronomy were faultless— 

 âge had sanctioned their validity— to controvert them was rank 

 heresy— deserving of bonds, prison, and even death, to stay the 

 plague ! 



In that of Harvey, for rejecting the fallacy and ignorance of 

 the blood's circulation, and substituting his own theory of its 



