MR. MAYHEW IN REPLY TO MR. MAVOR. 353 
i 
Mr. Mavor scores under the words “ practical experience” as 
though the phrase were particularly grand. In my idea it is the 
reverse ; for until observation has been compared,and by intelligence 
reduced to method, mere physical facts are of little value. There 
does not live the being whose life does not necessitate practical 
experience. The idiot differs from the sage in practical experience, 
since wisdom for the most part seeks retirement, and imbecility is 
fond of crowded action. Things of lowest instincts—insects—are 
practical; and savages remain removed from civilization because 
they cannot comprehend any thing beyond their bare experiences. 
Practical experience is very well as afforded data for principles to 
be deduced from ; but if not guided and instructed by the loftier 
qualities of mind, it debases the man who dares trust solely to its 
teaching. The world’s experience is very large, yet its stock of 
knowledge is but small; and in medicine there is a term which 
should make all connected with it careful how they boast of mere 
practical experience. I am sure Mr. Mavor is no empiric. Did I 
presume to call him by such a name he would resent it, and I 
should respect the anger which the word provoked. Nevertheless, 
the empiric is really one who trusts solely to practical experience, 
and he who rests his claim to public respect on any such founda¬ 
tion must be content to assume the title. 
I have let this communication run to greater length than I in¬ 
tended. The subject has led me on; but before I conclude I must 
add one more comment on the postscript to Mr. Mavor’s letter. 
That structures in which melanosis is partially developed may 
burst and heal, I freely admit; but that a tumour purely of that 
character has in it any power of reparation I have yet to learn. 
In the horse, the system being predisposed, any enlargement is 
likely to be tainted; but a mere partial discolourization would not 
constitute the structure purely melanotic, and therefore I must 
suppose the tumours Mr. Mavor speaks of were of a mixed or 
compound nature. Our information, however, on this subject is 
much more limited than it ought to be considering the frequency 
of the disease in the animals we treat. My opinions, possibly, may 
be untenable, for I live to learn, and I feel grateful to those who 
care to disabuse my ignorance. A paper on melanosis from Mr. 
Mavor would in The Veterinarian to me be interesting; and 
as I know he has the ability to write one, it would confer an ob¬ 
ligation on the members of his profession if he would undertake to 
string together the facts which have fallen under his notice, and 
express the opinions which they have induced him to form. 
I remain, Sir, 
Your obedient servant, 
Edw. Mayhew. 
16, Spring-street, Westbourne-terraee: 
VOL. XXII. 3 A 
