52 M. DUPUY ON THE OPERATION OF NEUROTOMY. 
where he could, and to the very extent of his power. He 
would sometimes perform the most sacred but painful duty of 
friendship—he w ould admonish, perchance reprove ; but it was 
the friend all the while: we could not for a moment be offended, 
and we loved him the better afterward. As a husband, he was 
affectionate and indulgent; as a parent, his whole soul was 
wrapped up in his son, his only offspring—his hope, his pride, 
and deservedly so; yet that affection betrayed not by one act of 
foolish indulgence. To the profession he was something • to 
his friends he w as much ; to his family, every thing . 
“ The elements 
Were so mixed in him, that Nature might stand up 
And say to all the world, ‘ This was a man.’ ” T. 
JBxtrart# from ^Journals, ^Foreign anfc 
Reflections on the Operation of Neurotomy. 
By Messrs . Dupuy and Prince. 
[Journal Pratique, Oct. 1830.] 
It is too common to see the most useful discoveries shackled 
in their progress by the obstacles opposed to them by medical 
prejudices, prepossessions, or beliefs. The history of every 
science attests this truth; but perhaps it is never more forcibly 
shewn than in that of veterinary medicine. If we sought for 
those subjects which have experienced the longest discussion 
and the most inveterate opposition, we should pause on those 
points which are most important to medical study,—on those 
which, in the clearest manner, establish principles teeming w r ith 
useful and practical consequences. 
Our readers must recollect what an outcry was raised against 
the work on Tuberculous Affection, published in 1817. To op¬ 
pose a long-established and favourite doctrine, and to deelrae 
that glanders was not contagious, was considered to be little 
short of blasphemy. Nevertheless, the storm passed over, and 
that which was regarded as an error is now received by scien¬ 
tific practitioners as a truth demonstrated by observation and ex¬ 
perience. That which has come to pass with glanders will ul¬ 
timately happen to other discoveries which, doubtless, in process 
of time, will be duly appreciated. The subject on which we are 
about to treat offers a striking illustration of these remarks. 
Neurotomy, notwithstanding its utility, has not wanted its de¬ 
tractors. This operation, for w r hich w r e are indebted to the Eng¬ 
lish, has not received that candid consideration which the suc¬ 
cess that has accompanied it merits. Strongly prepossed against 
