322 
INTRODUCTORY LECTURE. 
profitably, had time and space permitted; but in this world of 
limited power and limited opportunities, one great secret of 
doing well is to take a just view of the power and opportunity 
we actually possess, and adapt our aims and efforts accurately 
to them. This at least I endeavor to make a rule of action 
for myself; and you will find me governed by that rule in the 
subsequent Course of Lectures. We have only a certain 
amount of time allotted to Materia Medica. In arranging my 
course I have endeavored to find the just proportion between 
the importance of the several topics and the whole time, and 
to devote to each topic its due share of consideration, so that 
none may be entirely neglected. If I am thus induced to say 
less than lecturers often do upon certain prominent subjects, 
I have at least the advantage of giving some attention to others, 
which, though severally less important, are much more so in 
the aggregate. My great object is to give the pupil opportu- 
nities for acquiring such a knowledge of principles and facts 
as may serve as a basis to his own future labors. To render 
these opportunities available, your zealous co-operation will 
be requisite. Judging from the experience of the past, I have 
no doubt of such co-operation. I have not yet had occasion 
to complain of the want of due attention on the part of a class, 
and entertain no apprehension that, at the termination of the 
present course, I shall have cause to express a different senti- 
ment. Should my efforts equally content your reasonable 
wishes, my highest ambition will be satisfied. 
