314 
FKEDERICK A. f.TONS. 
Having then gained a knowledge of these tools, the next step is 
to enquire into the functions that they perforin. This constitutes 
the science of physiology. When all of the various organs oi 
the body are performing their offices perfectly, and in harmony 
with each other, when the proper equilibrium between them 
exists, we have a state of health. Physiological investigation lias 
for its object the ascertaining of the conditions of the state of 
health. When we are informed of these, we are enabled to per¬ 
ceive when any aberration occurs; in other words, we must iirst 
thoroughly understand what is health, before we can form any 
conception of a state of departure from it which constitutes 
disease. The importance of this science is so obvious, that it 
seems to me it would be a disregard to your intelligence to make 
further comment. 
These, then, are the fundamental sciences. Chemistry, 
Physics, Anatomy and Physiology are the groundwork on which 
the superstructure is to be erected. According to the depth and 
solidity of the foundation, the magnitude and durability of the 
house will be proportioned. If it be not well laid, the edifice will 
surely totter and tumble into ruin. 
When these studies have been mastered, it is time to turn the 
attention to those that aid specially in the discernment and treat¬ 
ment of disease—Pathology, Surgery, Practical Medicine, and 
Therapeutics. These form the stones of the arch, of which anat¬ 
omy and physiology constitute the keystone, the central point 
around which the others cluster. 
A knowledge of all these constitutes the science of medicine; 
putting them into practice is the art. But take care that in fol¬ 
lowing the art, the science that underlies and directs it is dis- 
O ' 
tiuctly held in view, or it will soon degenerate. The conscious¬ 
ness of using the science is what distinguishes its possessor from 
the mere empiric who never seeks deeper than the film upon the 
surface. Empiricism never rises higher than its past experience; 
scientific art has a boundless expanse before it. It interprets the 
experience of the past, it gives meaning and hope to the future. 
Be not the empiric, but love science for its own sake, and prac¬ 
tice the art animated by the scientific spirit. 
