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nerves of the orbit of the eye. 
of our own great Countrymen. Surely it is time that the 
schools of this kingdom should be distinguished from those 
of France. Let physiologists of that country borrow from 
us, and follow up our opinions by experiments,* but let us 
continue to build that structure which has been commenced 
in the labours of the Monros and Hunters. 
The whole history of medical literature proves, that no 
solid or permanent advantage is to be gained, either to me- 
dical or general science, by physiological experiments uncon- 
nected with anatomy. To disregard the anatomy of the 
nervous system, or to take it in the gross ; to make a new 
science of life ; and influenced by a false analogy to call it a 
fluid ; to attempt to direct it along a cord or a wire, is to 
transgress all the rules of philosophical enquiry, and must 
be attended with the rapid decline of anatomical studies. 
They will be considered as imposing restraints on genius, or 
be rejected as useless ; and with them pathology, and all that 
is most necessary to medical science, will fall into disuse. 
* See the experiments of M. Magendie on the distinctions in the roots of the 
spinal nerves. 
