MU. C. CLAUK IN REPLY TO MR. MAYER. 
431 
has changed them. This may appear a light thing to such as 
Mr. Mayer, jun., who, perhaps, was endued with but few opinions 
a half-score years ago, and, being still young, may probably 
by that time hence have reversed some of those he at present 
holds; but it is a serious and derogatory charge as it respects 
the veteran Professor of St. Pancras ; and times are changed, or 
some volunteer would arise to rebut the accusation against him. 
But to the point: I would that it were true, as these gentlemen 
assure us, for it is better late than never’’ to amend ; yet 1 
must be allowed to distrust their information, or at least to ask, 
where is the evidence to be found of the change they allude to? 
Is it in any book or pamphlet? Is it in public speeches—in 
unpublished lectures—in private communications to Mr. M , or 
his friends—or in any avowed or tangible form whatever that can 
be pointed out? Or does it not alone consist in an absence from 
certain indirect attacks on the doctrines of others, formerly so 
much indulged in, and in silence respecting some favourite dog¬ 
mas which the good sense of the profession has rejected and out¬ 
grown ? Yes; it is the body of the profession which has changed, 
not Mr. Coleman; and if he has laid aside any worn-out theo¬ 
ries, or given up any mistaken practice, it is in obedience to their 
feeling, and, still more, to the voice of the public, and unattended 
either by a confession of error, or the public substitution of more 
correct views. Let this be as it may; for I stand on different 
ground, viz. the truth of assertions in 1828, which I am still pre¬ 
pared to justify and maintain ; and if it is admitted that the 
Professor has changed his opinions, it more than half proves my 
case, and counts just so much in my favour. 
At present, Sir, I merely accept the challenge, and state wdiat 
will be my course in an analytical survey of his expressed doc¬ 
trines. Here the difficulty which arises is not from their num¬ 
ber or variability, but from the paucity of published facts ; Mr. 
Coleman having most carefully avoided putting his hand to pa¬ 
per for many past years. 
Ilow'ever, we are not without documents : there is a large book 
which cannot be recalled, and a pamphlet of frog-squeezing noto¬ 
riety, besides several patents which must not be forgotten. His 
opinions on suspended animation, on the ventilation of stables, 
on the treatment of inflamed lungs, are public property; and an 
ex-officio letter, which appeared in the Lancet about eleven 
years ago, must be considered seriatim, as its claims cannot be 
conceded or allowed. 
hi entering on this unpleasing task I entirely disclaim any 
personal or factious feeling. The inquiry is unsought by me ; 
but I hope it may be of some advantage to the cause ot truth, 
