14 
J. W. 8. ARNOLD. 
medical science. We cannot resort to a mathematical solution of 
our problem, nor is it possible to foretell the effect of a new 
remedy (or sometimes of an old one). 
Who would expect to repair a delicate and complicated piece 
of machinery without first becoming thoroughly familiar with its 
construction, purpose and all that pertains to it ? The chances 
are that the unqualified mechanic would utterly fail in any such 
attempt; but the skilled artisan would discover without fail the 
missing or broken part, and by appropriate means restore the 
mechanism to its original condition. 
The same principle holds good in medicine; a knowledge of 
anatomy, chemistry and physiology must first be obtained; then, 
upon these three foundation stones can the structure be reared. 
But yet, as our edifice of medical science is not by any means 
perfected—far from it; the building is in need of many additions 
as well as alterations. During the years of its actual existence it 
has suffered many changes, its supports and walls have been 
pulled down and built up again to give it more perfect strength 
and symmetry. 
And yet, we must, upon critical examination, come to the 
conclusion that our foundation stones are not rightly placed. 
Anatomy, or at least some of its subdivisions, are almost exhausted, 
animal chemistry and its near relative, pharmacological chemistry, 
are but in their infancy, and physiology, although beginning to 
take its place among the foremost departments of medical science, 
is still an unfinished pillar in our edifice. To the advancement 
of experimental medicine must be looked for the greater perfec¬ 
tion of practical medicine. The rehearsal of cases, which crowd 
our medical journals, do little or no good to the cause ; the fashion 
is to hurry into print an account of the first case which comes 
into the hands of the young practitioner. To what end ? Why, to 
waste paper and ink in most instances. Let it not be inferred from 
what has been stated, that physiology is the only important branch 
to be pursued ; but may the fact be appreciated that almost every 
advance in practical medicine has been preceded by some new 
development in physiology. It is but necessary to glance at what 
vivisection alone has accomplished, to perceive how errors have 
