136 
MR. YOUATT’S INTRODUCTORY LECTURE 
study be more pleasing, and useful too, than to trace the exqui¬ 
site adaptation of structure and function to the various purposes 
to which the inferior animals were destined, and the food by 
which they are nourished ? the structure and the function vary¬ 
ing with each variety of purpose, and even with each minute 
difference of food and situation; and all of them presenting indi¬ 
cations of design—all of them perfect—-all best adapted for the 
comfort of the animal, and his usefulness to man. These are 
delightful regions, in which I should be tempted occasionally to 
linger, were they not already occupied by the talented professors 
on Comparative Anatomy and General Physiology, yet over 
which I must pass, although rapidly; enabled sometimes, per¬ 
haps, from the intimate acquaintance with these animals Which 
many years’ practice on them has afforded me, to aid, but not to 
supersede,—to illustrate, but never designedly to interfere with, 
the labours of these lecturers. 
But, gentlemen, if I pass lightly over these interesting divi¬ 
sions of medical study, I may, at least, linger on that which will 
be peculiarly my department. The difference of structure and 
the difference of function are most interesting, I had almost said 
are alone interesting, when they lead to difference of disease. 
Our most enlarged views of the mechanism of the different or- 
gans are then only comparatively valuable, when they guide us 
to a comprehensive know ledge of the derangement of these or¬ 
gans generally, and - particularly in the human being. It is 
making an extensive portion of animated nature subservient to 
our improvement in the most important branch of medical sci¬ 
ence, the healing art. 
The medical man, in the course of his practice, w ill occasion¬ 
ally be questioned, if not, properly speaking, consulted, with 
regard to the diseases of domestic animals. What answer shall 
he give without compromising himself, if he is unacquainted 
with the strangely varying characters which the same disease 
assumes in different animals; the strangely different means of 
accomplishing the same indications of cure; and the strangely 
different effects of the same medicines. If he is at home here, 
credit will be given him for skill in the practice of human medi¬ 
cine ; but if he blunders here, he will, to a certain degree, com¬ 
promise his reputation as a medical man. If he recommends an 
inert medicine, as rhubarb, or jalap, or squills ; or one that, al¬ 
though mild and effective in the human being, is dangerous in 
the horse, as castor oil, he will find himself in a dilemma from 
which he will not be able easily to extricate himself. 
«> 
I cannot mean to give offence,— my present purpose must be to' 
conciliate,—but I am compelled to say, that I know r no class of 
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