Editorial. 
375 
less after due reflection and discussion they are proved to be incontrovert¬ 
ible. One of the greatest difficulties with which a practical physician has 
to contend is the great uncertainty of his science, which, as it unfortu¬ 
nately rests upon no positive basis, leaves him often to grope in the 
doubt and darkness of conflicting theories concerning questions of the 
most vital importance. This must needs be the case for some time to 
come, but happily the great pathologists and physiologists of the present 
day are making rapid and gigantic strides in overcoming these peculiar 
obstacles of medical science, and have, in many instances, partly suc¬ 
ceeded in drawing aside the veil of mystery which has so long enveloped 
in obscurity points in physiology and pathology the intelligent appreci¬ 
ation of which is essential for a rational therapeutics. Therefore the 
perfect mastering of the entire labyrinth of perplexing doubts is not to be 
despaired of in years to come, if science keeps pace with its present efforts. 
It follows that from year to year we have much ffo learn and not a few 
things to unlearn. Unfortunately for many who are eager in the right 
direction, books do not help much,'when they are most in need of advice, 
seeking that knowledge the exercise of which is so necessary at the sick 
bed. Science is progressive whilst authors grow old and trite* The 
heroic remedies of the so-called antiphlogistic treatment, so earnestly 
and strenuously recommended in all systematic works on medicine, are 
a most unserviceable, not to say dangerous, staff to lean on; they are 
worse than useless, nay, even perilous and fatal; the sun of their day 
has set, and fortunately for humanity will never dawn again. “The 
