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EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS. 
least of it, although, were we to give vent to our feelings, we 
should express ourselves in much stronger terms than these. 
It may be allowable at times to dissipate a doubt by the 
institution of a comparative experiment, or even a series of 
experiments ; and especially will this apply to the action of 
medicinal substances. The function and situation of many 
parts, too, may be ascertained by a reference to the lower 
animals ; but when this is called for, the student should never 
be allowed alone to institute and carry out the investigation. 
By experiments, we rather refer to those that are philoso- 
phical in their character. What a source of information is 
opened up here ! Nor would we have his inquiries confined 
to the chemistry of his art. This may be said to be but the 
lesser part, however important it must be confessed to be. 
Nature all around us is one vast laboratory. It is there that 
she works, ministering to the wants and the well-being of all 
animated beings. Change within change goes on, subser- 
vient to the great end in view. Much that is involved in 
mystery is, it is true, carried on by her, and much that it 
is not necessary for us to be made acquainted with ; yet the 
torch of science has disclosed some of the hidden wonders 
of the universe, and these have tended only more intensely 
to excite the spirit of research, and thus to lead the mind 
through Nature up to Nature’s God; so that it may be able 
to see more of the handy- work of the Great Architect, and 
adoring, to bow in admiration of the wisdom and design dis- 
played by Him in all his works. 
There need be no apprehension felt here, nor limits set to 
inquiry, when it is instituted in a right and becoming spirit. 
Still we are told that — 
“Not to know of tilings remote, obscure, and subtil, 
But that which before us lies in daily life, is the prime wisdom.” 
5 Twill be necessary, therefore, that the student should be 
directed in this also; and the preceptor is consequently 
called upon to lay down the plan and the course of pro- 
ceedure for him to adopt, and occasionally also to institute 
an inquiry as to the progress that is being made by him. 
